Republican Voter Registration Soars in New Jersey, Shaking Up the Gubernatorial Contest

Large voter registration drives are changing New Jersey politics as November approaches. Republicans gained almost 164,000 voters, but Democrats still rule. The unexpected spike in Republican registration raises election control concerns.

On October 1, the NJ Division of Elections reported 6.6 million registered voters. Two-thirds of voters are party members. Democrats outnumber registered voters at 38%. Independents are 35% and Republicans 25%. Small third parties are rarely voted for.

Transitions stand out. GOP voters rose 163,800 (10%) since 2021. Somerset County slipped as 20 of 21 counties increased GOP registration. Democrats shed 51,000, 2%, registrations. Democrats lost over 8% of Cumberland County registrations.

Surprise swing reduced main party divide. This pattern narrows the Democratic edge, raising November voting concerns. Registration may have increased as the 2024 presidential election energized GOP strongholds in many states.

After the June primary, voter registration rose 35,000, 0.5%. Neither party won. Instead, unaffiliated voters move parties during primaries, creating considerable change. Both main parties gained and unaffiliated registrations declined in all counties since June.

Statistics may change before October 14 general election voter registration. Alter the political landscape. Party affiliation might imply momentum, enthusiasm, and voter mood but not voting, especially in the general election, where crossover voting is likely.

November brings gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. Garden State races predict national politics. Republican registration increases and Democratic losses increased voter turnout.

This Republican registration surge may redden NJ. Changes in state politics may last past November.

Sources
NJ Division of Elections data
New Jersey 101.5 analysis
Political party strength reports