Democrat Mikie Sherrill wins 2025 New Jersey governor’s race

NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES: Democrat Mikie Sherrill has the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election with 56.5% of the vote.

Congresswoman Sherrill defeated Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate James Gannon, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. The victory follows an October 30 report showing Sherrill with only a one-point lead over Ciattarelli, keeping the race close until the end.

Mikie Sherrill says it’s an ‘honor’ to earn the trust of New Jersey

Sherrill represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, which includes parts of Essex and Morris Counties. She first flipped the district in 2018.

“New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th Governor,” Sherrill wrote on X while celebrating her win. “I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve."

During her victory speech, Sherrill took a veiled swipe at Donald Trump, saying, “We're not 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.”

She added, “We take oaths to a Constitution, not a king. We’ve chosen liberty and the prosperity necessary to create opportunity for all. So New Jersey, to quote the Boss, the future is now. Roll up your sleeves. Let your passion flow. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting. Thank you, New Jersey.”

Former President Bill Clinton also congratulated Sherrill on her win. He wrote on X, “Today is a great day for New Jersey as the people have chosen an experienced, get-the-job-done kind of leader who will fight for you every day as Governor. Congratulations on your election.”

Democratic leaders celebrate string of election wins

One more notable win came from Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who will become New York City’s next mayor. Top Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, praised the wave of victories.

Jeffries posted on X, “Enough with the premature obituaries. The Democratic Party is back.”

Schumer called the results a rejection of President Trump’s agenda, saying voters turned away from the “cruelty, chaos, and greed” of MAGA politics and rising costs.

Schumer did not endorse Mamdani or say if he voted for him. Jeffries endorsed him cautiously, offering support just before early voting began.

What Mikie Sherrill focused on during her campaign

In July, Sherrill said her campaign centered on making life more affordable for New Jersey residents, focusing on housing, healthcare, and education. 

She criticized President Trump, arguing that his economic decisions hurt the state. Her plans included merging smaller school districts to lower property taxes and opposing private prisons in New Jersey.

As the race tightened, Sherrill’s military records became a major issue after the Trump administration released them with few redactions. Ciattarelli claimed he hadn’t seen the records but accused her of lying about her background, while Sherrill accused him of spreading them.

A fourth-term congresswoman representing northern New Jersey, Sherrill ultimately defeated Ciattarelli, who was running for governor for the third time after narrowly losing to Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021.