Trump Celebrates as New Jersey Governor’s Race Tightens, Republicans Smell Opportunity

For over two decades, Democrats have dominated New Jersey politics, with only one major exception — Republican Chris Christie, who held the governorship from 2010 to 2018. Since then, Democrat Phil Murphy has led the Garden State, but with term limits barring him from seeking a third term, his tenure is about to end.

Conventional wisdom suggested Democrats would once again coast to victory. But that assumption has been turned on its head, as a new poll shows the gubernatorial race is now a toss-up — and President Donald Trump is celebrating the prospect of flipping a deep-blue state red.

A Dead Heat in the Garden State

The matchup pits Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill — a congresswoman, former Navy helicopter pilot, and federal prosecutor — against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a businessman and former state assemblyman. According to the latest Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey, the two are deadlocked at 43 percent each.

Another 3 percent of voters said they favored a third candidate, while 11 percent remain undecided. That large undecided bloc could easily swing the outcome of November’s election.

Trump Throws His Weight Behind Ciattarelli

President Trump highlighted the poll on Truth Social, cheering the possibility of a Republican upset:

“Wow!!! A just out poll has Jack Ciattarelli essentially beating close to incompetent Mike [sic] Sherrill in the race for Governor of New Jersey.”

The president then laid out why he believes Ciattarelli would make a strong governor:

“Jack is tough on crime and cutting taxes, two things that people really demand today. He will be a GREAT Governor, and Sherrill wants Open Borders (again!), men playing in Women’s Sports, Transgender for everyone, and all of the things that almost DESTROYED America. She is a big supporter of the perhaps future Communist Mayor of New York City!

We need Jack in New Jersey!!!”

Trump’s remarks underscored his administration’s ongoing priorities — law and order, tax relief, and border security — issues that helped propel him to victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Stakes Higher Than Ever

If Ciattarelli manages to pull off the upset, New Jersey would see only its second Republican governor in over 20 years. With the polls showing a razor-thin race, the outcome will likely hinge on undecided voters heading into Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.