Trump Takes Center Stage in New Jersey Gubernatorial Showdown
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s tight 2025 governor’s race. Trump called the campaign “very important” for New Jersey and urged voters to back Ciattarelli, who he said had a clear path to Washington. Trump also attacked Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, calling her a “unusual name” and accused her of harming New Jersey’s future.
Trump told a telephone rally that Ciattarelli “has a friend in the White House” and will help New Jersey. He called Sherrill untrustworthy, detached, and eager to “send New Jersey into a death spiral.” Sherrill is risky, Ciattarelli is stable and influential.
Trump raged over energy policies. He accused Sherrill of backing offshore wind and solar projects that will double and triple New Jersey consumers’ energy expenses, contradicting Ciattarelli’s claims and White House agreement on lowering utility bills. Trump thinks Ciattarelli understands energy, costs, and will use federal power to get Garden Staters a better deal.
The ground battle has intensified. Sherrill leads recent polls, but her lead is shrinking. She led, but Ciattarelli’s campaign surge is pressuring her. A Democratic candidate in a “blue” state has advantages, but Republicans see this as their best chance to flip the governor’s house in New Jersey.
Sherrill has tried to depict her campaign as independent of national drama and focused on local energy costs, affordability, and government responsibility. She challenged Ciattarelli’s ties to Trump and veneration for the former president, citing her Navy and federal prosecutor background. The plot pits outsiders against insiders, locals against nationalists.
Garden State voters must choose between a governor who supports Trump and aggressively cuts costs through federal cooperation and one who stresses independence, accountability, and New Jersey-specific reform. The outcome may depend on whatever narrative resonates as early voting and Election Day approach.
Near the conclusion, the race will be about more than a governor. Trump’s prominence and New Jersey’s status as one of two states conducting gubernatorial elections this year may reflect national politics. Democrats see next year’s midterms as a must-hold battlefield to prevent Republican gains, while Republicans want momentum.
Two strong candidates, high stakes, and a national figure make this a crucial race for New Jersey. In weeks, the winner may affect state and national policies.
Sources
Newsweek
Fox News
New York Post
