New Jersey Governor Race 2025: Sherrill and Ciattarelli Deadlocked, Voters Eye Economy and Utility Costs
New Jersey Governor Race 2025: Sherrill and Ciattarelli Deadlocked, Voters Eye Economy and Utility Costs

A fresh poll from Emerson College, PIX11, and The Hill reveals a razor-thin margin in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial election, with Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli each garnering 43% support among likely voters. The survey, conducted just days ago (September 22-23, 2025), indicates 11% of voters remain undecided, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, highlighted significant demographic splits. Younger voters (under 40) overwhelmingly favor Sherrill (58% to 24%), while Ciattarelli holds a strong lead among those over 50 (52% to 36%). A pronounced gender gap also exists, with women leaning towards Sherrill by ten points and men favoring Ciattarelli by twelve points.
The poll also sheds light on current political sentiment, showing Governor Phil Murphy’s job approval rating at 35%, a five-point drop since May. President Donald Trump also faces a negative approval rating among New Jersey voters at 41%. Campaign strategies are aligning with these figures, as Sherrill attempts to link Ciattarelli to Trump, while Ciattarelli ties Sherrill to Governor Murphy and the state’s high cost of living.
Economic concerns dominate voters’ minds, with 51% citing the economy as the top issue. Utility costs are a significant point of contention, with 30% blaming utility companies and 22% holding Governor Murphy responsible. Interestingly, Democrats largely blame utility companies, while Republicans point to Governor Murphy for these costs. The survey also explored opinions on school district mergers to reduce costs, finding 46% support the idea, though opposition is higher among parents.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.