2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election

The 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2025. This election will determine the next Governor of New Jersey, as incumbent Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. The election is expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties expressing interest in running.

Background and Context

New Jersey has a long history of competitive gubernatorial elections, with the state often serving as a bellwether for national politics. The 2025 election is expected to be no exception, with candidates from both parties focusing on key issues such as taxes, education, and healthcare. The state’s economy, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is also likely to be a major topic of discussion during the campaign.

The Democratic Party has historically performed well in New Jersey, with the party holding a significant registration advantage over the Republicans. However, the state's voters have also shown a willingness to elect Republican governors, with Chris Christie serving two terms from 2010 to 2018. The 2025 election is expected to be closely contested, with the Democratic and Republican nominees likely to engage in a heated and expensive campaign.

Candidates and Campaigns

Several candidates have already announced their intention to run in the 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election. On the Democratic side, potential candidates include Senator Cory Booker, who has been mentioned as a possible contender, as well as Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, who has been building a campaign organization. Other potential Democratic candidates include former congressional candidate Tom Malinowski and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle.

On the Republican side, potential candidates include former Congressman Tom MacArthur, who has been mentioned as a possible contender, as well as State Senator Steve Oroho, who has been building a campaign organization. Other potential Republican candidates include former gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Assemblyman Ryan Peters.

Key Issues and Policy Positions

The 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election is expected to focus on several key issues, including taxes, education, and healthcare. Democratic candidates are likely to emphasize their support for progressive tax policies, including a millionaire’s tax and increased funding for public education. Republican candidates, on the other hand, are likely to focus on tax cuts and economic growth, including reducing the state’s corporate tax rate and promoting business development.

On education, Democratic candidates are likely to emphasize their support for increased funding for public schools and expanding access to pre-K and community college. Republican candidates, on the other hand, are likely to focus on school choice and education reform, including expanding charter schools and promoting vocational training.

On healthcare, Democratic candidates are likely to emphasize their support for expanding access to healthcare and protecting the Affordable Care Act. Republican candidates, on the other hand, are likely to focus on reducing healthcare costs and promoting healthcare innovation.

Electoral Landscape and Polling

The electoral landscape in New Jersey is highly competitive, with the state’s voters often splitting their tickets between Democratic and Republican candidates. According to recent polling, the Democratic and Republican nominees are likely to be closely matched, with undecided voters playing a crucial role in the outcome of the election.

A recent poll conducted by Monmouth University found that 45% of registered voters in New Jersey support the Democratic nominee, while 42% support the Republican nominee. However, 13% of voters remain undecided, highlighting the potential for significant movement in the race as the campaign heats up.