List of Democrats running for governor in NJ

Six Democrats are competing to replace term-limited Governor Phil Murphy. 

Why you should care:

As the June 2025 primary nears, the field includes both veteran lawmakers and newcomers. Murphy’s tenure has seen debates over congestion pricing and concerns about ICE raids. 

RELATED: List of Republicans running for governor in NJ

With a tight general election ahead, Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who nearly defeated Murphy in 2021, appears to have a slight edge in recent polls.

What you can do:

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states holding gubernatorial races next year. The primaries are set for June 10, 2025, with the general election on November 4.

SKIP TO: Ras Baraka | Steven Fulop | Josh Gottheimer | Mikie Sherrill | Sean Spiller | Steve Sweeney

Here’s a look at the Democrats running for governor:

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer 

Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer, 49, says his top priority is cutting taxes and making life more affordable for New Jersey residents. 

Representing the state’s Fifth Congressional District—spanning parts of Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex counties—Gottheimer has built his platform on easing financial burdens for families and businesses.

New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller

Sean Spiller speaks onstage at the 15th Annual Induction Ceremony for the New Jersey Hall of Fame at NJPAC October 29, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Variety via Getty Images)

Sean Spiller, 49, former mayor of Montclair, is positioning himself as a voice for the working class in the race for New Jersey governor.

Spiller began as a science teacher before rising through the ranks of the New Jersey Education Association, becoming its president in 2021 after eight years on the executive board.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Ras Baraka, 54, the mayor of Newark since 2014, is focusing his gubernatorial campaign on equity-driven policies, reimagining healthcare, and overhauling New Jersey’s budget process.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, 47, says he's focused on housing, taxes, healthcare, and education over other campaign issues. 

One of his key proposals is a reverse congestion pricing toll, in response to New York City's controversial toll plan. 

Fulop suggests that New Jersey could implement similar fees, capitalizing on the state's opportunities for cross-border tolling, especially in areas like Staten Island, Bergen County, and Hudson County.

NJ Rep. Mikie Sherrill 

New Jersey Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, 53, says she's focused on tackling the state's high cost of living and fix its economy.

Sherrill, who has represented the 11th District—spanning parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties—since 2018, first flipped the seat from Republican control after former Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s retirement. She has since won reelection three times.

If Sherrill resigns from Congress to run, state law requires the governor to call a special election if the seat opens more than 70 days before the general election.

Why you should care:

If Sherrill resigns from Congress to run, state law requires the governor to call a special election if the seat opens more than 70 days before the general election.

Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney

 

Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, 65, is centering his gubernatorial campaign on reforming New Jersey’s budget process and addressing the state’s housing challenges.

 With 20 years of public office experience, including more than a decade as Senate president, Sweeney is banking on his experience in understanding of state governance and commitment to tackling systemic issues.

New Jersey