New Jersey is not among the 2026 governor races. The state holds its gubernatorial elections in odd years. The November 2025 race produced a Democratic hold with Mikie Sherrill defeating Jack Ciattarelli. See all 2026 governor races →
2025 New Jersey Governor Result
Mikie Sherrill succeeded Phil Murphy, who was term-limited after two terms. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor who served as U.S. Representative from NJ-11, ran as a centrist Democrat — a deliberate contrast to Murphy’s more progressive image following the near-loss in 2021. Jack Ciattarelli, who had nearly defeated Murphy in 2021 by 3.2 points, made a second run for governor.
New Jersey Governor Facts
Context: NJ Governor Race History
Why New Jersey Races Are Competitive
New Jersey has an unusual pattern of electing governors from the party opposing the president. Biden won New Jersey by 16 points in 2020, yet Murphy barely survived in 2021, winning by only 3.2 points over Jack Ciattarelli. The state holds governor elections in odd years, which creates the same off-year dynamic as Virginia — though NJ’s pattern is less consistent. Chris Christie won twice (2009 and 2013) in a state that leans presidential Democratic. The structural challenge for New Jersey Democrats has always been the same: high property taxes, NJ Transit failures, and cost of living create durable Republican arguments that land even with voters who reliably vote Democratic in presidential years.
Who is Mikie Sherrill
Mikie Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot who flew missions in Europe and the Middle East, then became a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey. She was elected to Congress in 2018 representing NJ-11, a suburban district covering Morris and Essex counties that had previously been represented by a Republican. She was re-elected in 2020 and 2022, establishing a record as a moderate Democrat who split with progressive leadership on several votes. Her military and law enforcement background, combined with a district that included competitive suburban voters, positioned her as a strong general-election candidate for governor.
Phil Murphy’s Legacy
Phil Murphy served two terms (2018–2026) and built a progressive legacy including marijuana legalization, a $15 minimum wage, expanded paid family leave, millionaire taxes, and strengthened gun laws. He was a former Goldman Sachs banker and U.S. Ambassador to Germany who brought an institutionalist style to the governorship. His narrow 2021 re-election by 3.2 points in a D+16 state revealed the limits of his coalition and the structural Republican opportunities in New Jersey. Sherrill’s more centrist positioning was in part a response to that near-defeat.
Historical Governor Results — New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a New Jersey governor race in 2026?
No. New Jersey holds governor elections in odd-numbered years. The 2025 race was won by Democrat Mikie Sherrill. The next New Jersey governor race will be in November 2029.
Who won the 2025 New Jersey governor race?
Democrat Mikie Sherrill won the November 2025 New Jersey governor race, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor, and congresswoman from NJ-11, became New Jersey's new governor, succeeding term-limited Phil Murphy.
Why is New Jersey competitive for governor despite being a blue state?
New Jersey has a strong pattern of competitive governor races even in a state that votes Democratic for president. High property taxes, NJ Transit failures, and cost of living create durable Republican arguments. Murphy barely survived in 2021 with a 3.2-point margin in a D+16 state. Sherrill's centrist positioning was designed to build a broader coalition than Murphy's more progressive brand.
