New Jersey's Unpredictable Political Dance: Who Will Lead the Garden State?

On this crisp Election Day, the ballot boxes across New Jersey are busy, humming with the quiet, profound act of democracy. It's a Tuesday, honestly, like so many others, but also distinctly different. Because today, folks in the Garden State are doing something incredibly important: they’re choosing their next governor.

And what a choice it is. At the heart of this hotly contested race, we find the incumbent Democrat, Phil Murphy, hoping to secure another term. But he’s not having an easy go of it; not by a long shot. Standing squarely in his path is Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli, who, truth be told, has really put up a formidable fight, narrowing what many initially saw as a comfortable lead.

This particular election, you could say, feels like a pulse check for the entire region, maybe even the nation. Especially after the rather stunning outcome just across the river in Virginia, where, just days ago, another gubernatorial upset unfolded. Suddenly, eyes are glued to New Jersey. Historically, the Garden State tends to lean blue, yet Ciattarelli’s grassroots efforts, paired with a distinct shift in voter sentiment, have made this a truly captivating contest.

Governor Murphy, for his part, has spent his first term navigating unprecedented times, namely, the brutal COVID-19 pandemic. He’s campaigned on his administration’s response, certainly, but also on expanding access to healthcare, investing in public education, and providing property tax relief—yes, that perennial New Jersey issue—for middle-class families and seniors. He’s got the backing of some pretty big names, too, including President Biden and Vice President Harris, even former President Obama, who all came to rally support for his vision of a more equitable New Jersey.

Then there’s Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman who’s worked tirelessly to paint himself as the voice of the frustrated New Jerseyan. His message? Affordability, above all else. He’s honed in on those eye-watering property taxes—a burden many residents feel acutely—and, interestingly, parental rights in schools, a topic that’s gained unexpected traction nationwide. Ciattarelli portrays himself as a common-sense alternative, though his past, frankly, more conservative positions have sometimes drawn a bit of scrutiny from the opposition.

Honestly, it often comes down to a few core concerns here. Property taxes, always a major talking point in this state, have loomed large. But so, too, have debates over the best way to handle the ongoing pandemic—everything from mask mandates in schools to vaccine requirements. And, yes, education itself, what’s being taught, and who decides, has unexpectedly become a flashpoint for many.

For now, though, the polls remain open, a quiet testament to the democratic process, from 6 a.m. right up until 8 p.m. this evening. And really, all that’s left is the waiting. Will Murphy make history as the first Democratic governor in 44 years to win re-election? Or will Ciattarelli pull off what many would consider a significant upset? The answers, as they always do, rest with the people of New Jersey. And we’ll all be watching.