The Early Bell Rings: Mikie Sherrill's Striking Lead in New Jersey's Gubernatorial Race

You know, even with 2025 feeling a ways off, the political whispers in New Jersey are already getting rather loud, perhaps even a bit boisterous. And for good reason, it seems. A recent poll, fresh from the folks at Fairleigh Dickinson University, has just dropped a rather intriguing early look at the race for the governor's mansion once Phil Murphy’s term wraps up. What’s the big takeaway? Well, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is, to put it mildly, off to a remarkably strong start.

The numbers, frankly, are quite compelling. Sherrill finds herself with a significant, double-digit lead over her potential Republican challenger, Jack Ciattarelli. We're talking 46 percent of registered voters throwing their support behind Sherrill compared to Ciattarelli's 33 percent. That's a 13-point cushion, a rather comfortable margin this far out, wouldn’t you agree?

It’s not just about that head-to-head matchup, though. Her individual approval ratings are painting a picture of broad appeal. A solid 40 percent of registered voters give Sherrill a thumbs-up, with only 22 percent expressing disapproval. But here's the real kicker, the detail that makes you lean in a little closer: a full quarter of Republicans — yes, Republicans — actually approve of the job she's doing. That kind of cross-party goodwill? That's golden in today's often polarized political landscape.

But then there's Ciattarelli, who, bless his heart, isn't quite having the same moment. His favorability numbers are, honestly, a bit of a mixed bag, sitting at 26 percent favorable and 28 percent unfavorable. And even within his own party, there's some wobbling; a notable 37 percent of Republicans, a significant chunk, view him unfavorably. It's a tough spot to be in, trying to rally the base when a sizable portion seems, shall we say, unenthused.

Dr. Krista Jenkins, who directs the FDU poll — the minds, really, behind this particular dive into the numbers — points out what's truly striking about Sherrill’s position. Her support isn’t just solid among Democrats, which you’d expect; it stretches to include independents and, as we’ve noted, a fair number of Republicans too. It suggests a certain, well, perhaps a practical appeal that transcends typical party lines. In essence, she’s building a broader tent, and that’s a powerful thing.

Of course, it's early days, practically the political equivalent of preseason football. A lot can and will change between now and 2025. Yet, honestly, these initial findings? They paint a pretty compelling picture of a candidate who's starting this marathon race from a very strong position indeed. It's certainly a development worth watching as New Jersey begins to think about its next leader.