New Jersey voters are voting on gubernatorial primaries with potential implications for national politics. Democratic contenders include heavyweights like Gottheimer and Sherrill, while Trump-endorsed Ciattarelli leads the GOP. Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with early voting and mail-in ballots having occurred earlier. There are significant issues at play, including high taxes and the cost of living, and the stakes are high for both parties in the upcoming general election.
New Jersey voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide the Democratic and Republican primaries for governor, a race that may reveal much about public sentiment toward President Donald Trump’s ongoing influence, as well as the perceptions among Democrats about their political strategy going forward. The state only has two governor races this year, New Jersey and Virginia, which adds significance to the contests, particularly given that two-term Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited and has not endorsed a successor, creating a unique dynamic in this primary race.
The Democratic primary features a competitive slate with six candidates, including seasoned politicians such as U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. Gottheimer leads in fundraising with approximately $9.1 million raised, but recent polls suggest Sherrill may have a slight edge. The debate around immigration has heated up this election cycle, particularly with Baraka’s recent run-in with federal authorities during a protest against a new immigration detention center.
On the Republican side, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli seeks the nomination again, building on his previous strong performance against Governor Murphy in 2021. Ciattarelli faces several challengers including state Senator Jon Bramnick and former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac. Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli could prove pivotal, as the former President has enjoyed considerable popularity in New Jersey. Interestingly, Bramnick stands out as a vocal critic of Trump among GOP candidates in this primary.
Voter turnout is expected to be significant, especially from the more populous counties, such as Bergen and Essex, which historically see higher Democratic engagement. In contrast, during Republican primaries, voter turnout is often lower, indicating different strategies could emerge in building general election campaigns in a state that has long leaned Democratic in presidential and Senate races.
Both political parties appear to target voter frustration, with Democrats aiming to highlight unpopular parts of Trump’s policy agenda, while Republicans are positioning to blame Democrats for ongoing economic challenges. New Jersey’s registration statistics show that Democrats lead with more active voters, but the Republican Party has made gains, narrowing the gap of registered voters between the parties.
Regarding logistics, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., and voters who find themselves in line when the polls close will, thankfully, still be able to vote. Only registered party members can vote in their respective party’s primary, while independent voters have flexibility to choose which primary to participate in.
Voters can locate their polling places through a tool on the New Jersey Division of Elections website. They may also track mail-in ballots through the Voter Information Portal. Vote counting results from earlier elections indicate that the state has been timely, typically being reported shortly after polls close, with most results tallied by the early morning hours following elections.
In summary, New Jersey’s primary elections on Tuesday are set to shed light on the state’s political landscape as voters decide nominations for governor within both the Democratic and Republican parties. The stakes are particularly high given Trump’s recent endorsement and the notable political dynamics at play due to Governor Murphy’s term limit. Both parties aim to mobilize voters, while socioeconomic issues and voter turnout dynamics may ultimately shape the results as New Jersey faces pivotal electoral decisions in 2025.
Original Source: www.nbcnewyork.com
