The basics:

• Mikie Sherrill wins New Jersey governor’s race over Jack Ciattarelli
• Becomes state’s 57th governor with more than 56% of the vote
• Marks Democrats’ third consecutive gubernatorial victory since 1961

In what looks to be a resounding victory, Mikie Sherrill is projected as New Jersey’s 57th governor.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Major outlets began calling the race shortly after, in the 9 p.m. hour, for Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

New Jersey’s U.S. representative in the 11th District, Sherrill’s early vote momentum carried through to Election Day. Historic turnout was reported Nov. 4 in major Democrat strongholds, such as Essex and Hudson counties.

Polls had showed a tightening race to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. However, Sherrill cruised to victory on Election Night, taking more than 56% of the vote, according to The Associated Press.

The governor-elect delivered a speech Tuesday evening from her campaign party in East Brunswick. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli also gave remarks from his campaign HQ in Bridgewater.

Sherrill also sent out a post on X after the race was called.

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. pic.twitter.com/gipM0fWnqF

— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 5, 2025

Updates: A November turkey

The victory marks the first time since 1961 that one party has won the state’s governorship three times in a row. At her packed campaign HQ in East Brunswick, Sherrill’s husband, Jason, introduced her as the governor-elect took the stage to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” amid “Mikie!” chants.

“New Jersey – they always say we are loud, but man, with your vote, you guys just screamed from the rooftops and people around the country hear you,” said Sherrill. “And I hear you too.

“This was a tough fight and this is a tough state. But I know, New Jersey. I have fought for you. I’ve spoken with thousands of you over this last year. I know your struggles, your hopes, and your dreams. So serving you is worth any tough fight I have to take on, and I am so incredibly honored to be your next governor.”

New Jersey – they always say we are loud, but man, with your vote, you guys just screamed from the rooftops and people around the country hear you.
— Mikie Sherrill

She acknowledged that Ciattarelli called to concede the race.

“I know how hard it can be to serve in these times, so I want to recognize Jack Ciattarelli for stepping up,” said Sherrill. “And you guys know I love our history, and our state motto has always stuck with me. In 1777, New Jersey was one of the first states to choose a motto: ‘Liberty and Prosperity.’

“A demand for freedom from oppression and a commitment to creating opportunity and a better future. That idea has defined us for almost 250 years.”

‘Fighting for a better future’

Sherrill spoke about her intention to tackle key issues around the state – including declaring a State of Emergency on Day One to drive down utility costs. She stressed how the voters she met left a mark on her throughout the campaign.

She also thanked her family; her campaign staffers for their work; and her running mate, the new Lt. Gov-elect Dale Caldwell.

“So thank you everyone who has joined me in fighting for a better future,” said Sherrill. “I know these are tough times, and I know not everyone voted for me. But I am working for everyone. Every. Single. One. Of. You. When we all do better, we all do better.

“So, tomorrow begins a new day. And at each new day in New Jersey, the sun rises over the Statue of Liberty – a daily reminder of her promise: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’”

She closed out her speech noting how Lady Liberty’s lamp lights the path to the Golden Door.

“That Golden Door is New Jersey. It always has been. And that expectation is well deserved,” said Sherrill. “Especially after this election. Are we going to follow Lady Liberty’s beacon, or are we going to give in to our darker impulses? Here in New Jersey, we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be, ruled by kings. We take oaths to a Constitution, not a king.

“We’ve chosen liberty – the very foundation of democracy – and we’ve chosen prosperity, necessary to create opportunity for all.”

Ciattarelli concedes

Ciattarelli delivered his concession at his Bridgewater HQ.

“Moments ago, I called and congratulated Mikie Sherrill – and gave her my best wishes in hopefully solving New Jersey,” Ciattarelli told supporters. “Listen guys, nobody is more disappointed than I am, but I am proud of the efforts of my team that are here tonight.

“As John F. Kennedy once said – life’s not always fair. But I am proud of the effort put forth. I’m proud of the message we communicated each and every day.”

Ciattarelli recounted his family’s journey, which began in Raritan – not far from the Election Night party. He explained how his parents were able to provide a middle-class life through hard and have their children do better than they did without any insecurity.

“Throughout this campaign, what we talked about is, the people of New Jersey no longer living with any insecurity or fear that their children can’t get the education they so rightfully deserve; that their children can’t ultimately get the job of their dreams here; that they can’t start a business here; that they can’t raise a middle-class family here; that they can’t retire here,” said Ciattarelli. “These are all the things that people are terribly insecure of today here in New Jersey.

“These are all the things that we talked about in very specific terms on how to solve. I believe in my brand of leadership. I haven’t stopped believing because of the outcome of tonight’s election. It is my hope that Mikie Sherrill has heard us in terms of what we need to do to make New Jersey that place where everybody can, once again, feel they can achieve their American Dream.”

A new day for New Jersey business?

Reaction continues to pour in from around the Garden State, including from top business leaders and beyond.

“We congratulate Mikie Sherrill and Dale Caldwell for their hard-fought victory against Jack Ciattarelli,” New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka said in a statement. “Throughout both campaigns, NJBIA was heartened to see a much-needed commitment from both candidates to improve New Jersey’s business climate and to give job creators a more even playing ground from which to compete.

“We look forward to working with Gov.-elect Sherrill on her business platforms and the many strategies offered in our Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey to reduce business taxes, streamline business burdens and put our state budget on more stable footing.”

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce congratulates Gov-elect Sherrill,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO, NJCC. “We look forward to working with her and her administration on strengthening New Jersey’s economy, attracting new companies, retaining the ones we have, and fostering job growth so that New Jersey remains a great place to live and work.”

Ready to work

Bracken noted how New Jersey’s voters made it clear they want state leaders to address the economy and affordability so there are more opportunities for prosperity.

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce stands ready to serve as a resource to Gov-elect Sherrill and her administration. Our staff, board of directors, and member companies offer deep knowledge and expertise that can assist in developing and implementing policies that advance economic growth across the state.”

Siekerka added, “We hope this is an inflection point to once again make our job creators feel appreciated for the many contributions they make to our economy and our way of life in New Jersey.”

“We all share a common goal – to see New Jersey thrive,” said Bracken.

Murphy posted his support on X, saying, “The people of New Jersey have chosen a leader who’ll fight every day to lower costs and protect our residents.”

Just congratulated Governor-elect @MikieSherrill on her hard-fought victory!

The people of New Jersey have chosen a leader who’ll fight every day to lower costs and protect our residents.

I look forward to meeting with her tomorrow to ensure a smooth transition. pic.twitter.com/tYM0JsI7Je

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) November 5, 2025

Sherrill closed her speech with a nod to Springsteen.

“So, New Jersey, to quote the Boss: ‘The future is now. Roll up your sleeves and let your passion flow. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.’”

The transition begins Nov. 5 in Trenton – with Sherrill and Murphy set to meet at the State House this morning. She will hold a presser after that meeting to announce the chair and executive director of the gubernatorial transition team.

Please stay with NJBIZ for further coverage, as well as analysis and reaction from around the Garden State and its other races.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:58 a.m. EST Nov. 5, 2025, with follow-up coverage of the election.