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The basics:

• Sherrill wins Democratic primary with 34% of the vote; Ciattarelli dominates GOP race with 68%
• Candidates shift focus to general election battle
• Trump endorsement looms large in Republican race, trend to continue in the general

Primary season ended June 10 as New Jersey voters delivered convincing wins for the two frontrunners in the crowded, hard-fought race.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District, won with 34% of the vote, besting a strong field that included five competitors with their own base of support and name recognition —  Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (20%); Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (16%); U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th District (12%); NJEA President Sean Spiller (11%); and former Senate President Steve Sweeney (7%).

While many had predicted that race to be tight – with a winner potentially not determined on election night – Sherrill won decisively. The Associated Press called the race at 8:39 p.m., just 39 minutes after polls closed.

On the Republican side, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, also the 2021 GOP nominee, cruised to victory with 68% of the vote. He easily defeated former radio host Bill Spadea (21%) and Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-21st District (6%). That race was called at 8:17 p.m. in favor of Ciattarelli.

In all, 797,175 voters cast ballots for the Democratic candidates; 457,027 New Jerseyans voted on the Republican side.

The results made for an anticlimactic night. But that meant that the two nominees quickly celebrated the win – before moving right into general election attack mode in the campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.

Trump looms large

“New Jersey showed the country tonight that we’re ready to chart a different path forward, and I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for governor of our great state,” said Sherrill. “It’s time to bring a new generation of leadership to Trenton – and my experience not only in Congress, but as a Navy helicopter pilot for nearly 10 years, a federal prosecutor, and a mom raising four kids here in New Jersey makes me ready to get to work on day one.”

“Let us unite. As a party, it’s time for us to now speak directly to the people of New Jersey, to independents and unaffiliated voters who may have lost faith in both political parties and wonder whether their vote ever matters; to moderate Democrats who feel abandoned, alienated and ignored by an extreme and out-of-touch ultra-liberal Democratic party in Trenton and Washington, D.C. – a Democratic party more focused on pronouns than property taxes,” Ciattarelli said.

And of course, President Donald Trump loomed large in the primary. Democrats used him a central character in attack ads; and on the other end of spectrum, in the Republican race the two frontrunners embraced MAGA and Trump – with the president endorsing Ciattarelli over Spadea.

“To our most well-known part-time resident who honored me with his endorsement and strong support: Thank you, President Donald J. Trump,” said Ciattarelli in his victory speech.

Expect that trend to continue in the general – as Sherrill went right at that issue.

“A state like this is not going to be led by a Trump lackey like Jack Ciattarelli,” said Sherrill during her victory speech.

“Let’s be clear about the two visions in this race: I am ready to stand up to an extreme Washington that doesn’t have New Jersey’s best interests at heart. Jack has already surrendered to them. It’s our duty to meet the moment and live up to our state’s motto of liberty and prosperity, because a Trump yes man like Jack Ciattarelli will threaten it all,” Sherrill continued in a statement after the primary win. “While Jack is for Trump – I am for New Jersey.”

“While we focus on these key New Jersey issues, my Democratic opponent will do everything in her power to change the subject,” said Ciattarelli, describing Sherrill as Murphy 2.0. “Trust me, if this campaign were a drinking game and you took a shot every time Mikie Sherrill says ‘Trump,’ you’re going to be drunk off your ass every day – between now and Nov. 4.”

“I am ready to shake up the status quo – and Jack is the status quo,” Sherrill quipped.

Murphy: ‘a really successful election’

Following the primary election, Murphy offered his congratulations to both Sherrill and Ciattarelli – speaking to both.

“I would also like to thank every candidate – on both sides of the aisle – who stepped up to run in this year’s election and participate in our sacred democratic process,” said Murphy. “Over the next few months, as the general election ramps up, I know we will see a spirited campaign for governor and all 80 Assembly seats. And I look forward to working with the winner of this November’s election to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the next governor.”

Murphy spoke with reporters further about the result the day after the election, following a 2026 FIFA World Cup event in Jersey City.

“We had – I think – by all accounts, a really successful election yesterday,” Murphy told reporters. “Successful, I mean, first defined by an election that went very smoothly; very significant turnout – very few issues. And it was really bad weather for the first half of the day. It’s another reminder that having early, in-person voting; having a robust vote-by-mail reality, has been a huge asset in terms of opening up voter access.

“I congratulated both Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee by phone last night – as I did Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee. They each ran, I think, outstanding campaigns. And I’m looking forward to a spirited, solutions-oriented campaign over the next four or five months. They’re both outstanding individuals.”

Murphy, a Democrat, did stress that he was all-in on Sherrill, describing her as a gifted, unique talent.

‘A critical moment for New Jersey’

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken congratulated both candidates on their wins. He commended them for their dedication to public service; and wished them luck as they begin the next phase of the campaign.

The business community stands ready to partner with our next governor in advancing a bold, pragmatic economic agenda for New Jersey.
– Tom Bracken, NJ Chamber of Commerce president and CEO

“This is a critical moment for New Jersey. Our state faces significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunity,” said Bracken. “Whoever is elected as the next governor will need to prioritize policies that encourage economic expansion, curb unsustainable state spending, and support job creation. These issues are central to ensuring New Jersey remains a competitive and prosperous place to live, work and do business.

“The business community stands ready to partner with our next governor in advancing a bold, pragmatic economic agenda for New Jersey.”

And following the primary, both candidates continued the rigorous campaigning that they are each known for. It sets the stage for what should be a competitive gubernatorial election with the nation watching in an off-year cycle — just one year after a presidential election and one year before mid-terms. Virginia is the only other state to choose a governor this year.

“Because of you, we won all 21 counties with a clear and convincing victory. This campaign has always been about people, not politics — about vision, not division,” Ciattarelli wrote on social media after the primary win. “Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work only way I know how, with everything I have. All gas, no brakes. Let’s unite, let’s fight, and let’s fix our great state.”

“This is our time. This is our future. This is our New Jersey that we will save together,” said Sherrill. She closed out her primary victory speech by saying she was so honored to be in this fight and is ready for the challenge – quoting George Washington.

“Fix the bayonets – I’m resolved to take Trenton.”

Game on.