Democrat Mikie Sherrill Wins New Jersey Governor Race

Democrat Mikie Sherrill has won the New Jersey gubernatorial race, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape. Sherrill expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, "New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th Governor. I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve."

The election results were called shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. local time. DecisionDesk HQ announced Sherrill’s victory at 8:13 p.m. with about 25% of the votes counted. Major news outlets like Fox News and the Associated Press confirmed her win around 9:30 p.m., when Sherrill was leading Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli by 15 points with approximately 60% of the votes in.

Ciattarelli, who previously ran against outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, had gained momentum in the weeks leading up to the election. However, he could not overcome a significant early voting advantage for Democrats. Reports indicated that nearly 300,000 more ballots were cast by registered Democrats compared to Republicans before Election Day.

The election was not without its challenges. Some polling places faced bomb threat hoaxes that caused confusion and delays for voters. Despite these disruptions, Sherrill’s campaign successfully tied Ciattarelli to former President Donald Trump, portraying herself as a shield against his policies. Former President Barack Obama even campaigned for Sherrill, emphasizing the stakes of the election.

Ciattarelli, endorsed by Trump, ran on a platform that included repealing New Jersey’s sanctuary state measures and addressing issues like parental rights, property taxes, and crime policies. However, with about 850,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in New Jersey, the odds were stacked against him.

Sherrill’s victory reflects a continuing trend in New Jersey, where Democratic candidates have maintained a strong presence in statewide elections. As she prepares to take office, Sherrill’s commitment to listening and leading will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents alike.

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  • The American Drudge Report - Always Telling the Truth

    Susan Wright has spent two decades chasing the pulse of American life from an editor’s chair that never gets cold. She’s filed columns inside packed campaign buses, fact-checked policy briefs over takeout, and wrestled late-night copy until it told the truth. Her sweet spot: connecting the dots between Capitol Hill votes, kitchen-table worries, and the cultural undercurrents most headlines miss. Readers trust her for clear facts, sharp perspective, and a reminder that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. Off deadline, Susan pushes for media transparency and smarter civics—because knowing the rules is half the game, and she’s determined to keep the playbook open to everyone.