Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a New Jersey lawmaker serving in the US House of representatives, is projected to win the governor’s race in the Garden State.
In one of several races that are seen as both a referendum on US President Donald Trump and a bellwether for the 2026 midterm elections, Sherill will succeed fellow Democrat Gov Phil Murphy.
At a victory rally, Sherrill said her election victory would bring a “new day” for the state.
She told supporters she would follow the country’s founding principles and noted this election sent a message to US President Donald Trump.
The third US state, and one of the original 13 US colonies, New Jersey last had a Republican governor in 1988.
Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat and member of the US House of Representatives from New Jersey, is predicted to win the Garden State’s gubernatorial election.
Sherill will take over for fellow Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy in one of several contests that are viewed as a referendum on US President Donald Trump and a gauge for the 2026 midterm elections.
The former federal prosecutor, helicopter pilot, and US Naval Academy graduate made his political debut in 2018 as anti-Trump sentiment swept the country during his first term.
Former state lawmaker and Republican Jack Ciattarelli lost to the congresswoman. Her triumph follows that of Abigail Spanberger, a fellow liberal, who won Virginia’s gubernatorial election.
Sherrill claimed at a victory rally that the state would experience a “new day” as a result of her election victory.
“I am aware that these are difficult times. “I’m working for everyone, even though I know not everyone voted for me,” she stated.
She informed supporters that this election sent a message to US President Donald Trump and promised to uphold the nation’s founding ideals.
“Lady Liberty’s beacon will be our guide. “We will not succumb to our darker tendencies,” she declared. “We in New Jersey are aware that kings have never ruled this country and never will. We swear allegiance to a Constitution, not to a monarch. “.
In the weeks preceding the general election on November 4, Ciattarelli, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement, and Sherill were squarely vying for the state’s leadership. The state is consistently blue and is also seen as a predictor of the upcoming midterm elections, in which Democrats seek to shift control of Congress to their advantage.
Both addressed the cost of living; Ciattarelli, a businessman and former Republican state representative, suggested reducing corporate and personal tax rates as well as lowering state taxes through a new school funding formula.
Sherrill ran on promises of a freeze on utility rate increases and tax breaks for new housing developments.
In the United States, state governors hold significant power and influence over a wide range of issues, from abortion rights to education. Concerns decided at the state level are subject to governors’ opinions.
New Jersey governors are only allowed to serve two terms in a row. However, they do not have non-consecutive limitations. One of the original 13 US colonies and the third US state, New Jersey last had a Republican governor in 1988.
The BBC’s US partner CBS reported that some polling places received bomb threats, prompting temporary closures and police response, as polling stations opened Tuesday.
According to Sherrill, the threats were “a blatant attempt to undermine our democratic system and intimidate New Jerseyans from exercising their right to vote by going to the polls.”.
Ciattarelli, her opponent, told CBS that “nonsense like this has no place in politics.”.
