New Jersey's 2025 Gubernatorial Race Takes Shape: Sherrill Edges Ciattarelli in Early Poll

The political landscape of New Jersey's upcoming 2025 gubernatorial race is beginning to take shape, with a fresh poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University indicating a compelling early advantage for Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill over Republican challenger Jon Ciattarelli.

According to the latest survey, Sherrill currently holds a 42 percent to 37 percent lead over Ciattarelli in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.

While a 5-point margin, it's crucial to note that this lead falls within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points, signaling a race that, even at this nascent stage, promises to be highly competitive.

Congresswoman Sherrill, who represents New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, boasts significant favorability among registered voters.

The poll found that 52 percent of voters approve of her job performance, while only 20 percent disapprove, reflecting a solid base of support as she potentially eyes a statewide run.

On the Republican side, Jon Ciattarelli is no stranger to gubernatorial campaigns. He was the party's nominee in 2021, where he mounted a strong challenge against incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, ultimately losing by a tight 3-point margin.

While recognized, his current approval ratings are more mixed: 25 percent approve, 26 percent disapprove, and a substantial 36 percent remain undecided or unfamiliar with him, suggesting a need to reintroduce himself to a significant portion of the electorate.

This early polling snapshot, based on responses from 807 registered voters, offers valuable insight into the potential dynamics of the 2025 contest.

Sherrill's higher approval and lower disapproval ratings suggest she enters the potential race with a stronger public image. However, Ciattarelli's prior statewide run and respectable performance against an incumbent demonstrate his capacity to rally support.

As New Jersey looks ahead to the next gubernatorial cycle, these initial numbers highlight the Democratic Party's potential strength with a prominent candidate like Sherrill.

Yet, with nearly two years remaining until Election Day, the race is wide open, and both campaigns will undoubtedly work to define their narratives and connect with voters across the Garden State. The path to the governor's mansion remains challenging for both contenders, but this poll certainly sets the stage for an intriguing political battle.