New Jersey Governor in 2025: Here's who's running
Mikie Sherrill enters New Jersey governor’s race
Democratic congresswoman Mikie Sherill is jumping into next year's race for New Jersey governor. The former federal prosecutor and U.S. navy helicopter pilot joins an already crowded field to replace Gov. Phil Murphy who can't run again because of term limits. Sherill tells us her plans for New Jersey if elected.
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race is well underway, with a crowded field of candidates vying to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.
The June 10, 2025, primary election will determine the Democratic and Republican nominees, setting the stage for the November 4, 2025, general election.
RELATED: List of Republicans running for governor in NJ
What we know:
Democratic Candidates
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history, with several high-profile candidates:
- Mikie Sherrill – A congresswoman representing New Jersey’s 11th District, Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor. She has strong fundraising power and broad name recognition.
- Josh Gottheimer – A congressman from New Jersey’s 5th District, Gottheimer is a centrist Democrat and co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.
- Ras Baraka – The mayor of Newark since 2014, Baraka has deep ties to progressive and urban voter bases.
- Steve Fulop – The mayor of Jersey City since 2013, Fulop is a former Marine veteran with a background in finance.
- Sean Spiller – The president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and former Montclair mayor, Spiller has strong union backing.
- Steve Sweeney – The former state Senate president, Sweeney has significant labor union support and experience in state government.
Republican Candidates
On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli leads a growing field of candidates, many of whom appeal to different factions within the party:
- Jack Ciattarelli – A former state assemblyman, Ciattarelli was the GOP nominee in 2021, losing to Murphy by just three points.
- Bill Spadea – A conservative talk radio host, Spadea has positioned himself as the pro-Trump candidate, securing key endorsements from the right wing of the party.
- Jon Bramnick – A moderate Republican and state senator, Bramnick is focusing on bipartisan governance.
- Ed Durr – A former state senator, Durr gained attention after his stunning 2021 upset of then-Senate President Steve Sweeney.
- Roger Bacon – A perennial candidate and production mechanic.
- Mario Kranjac – The former mayor of Englewood Cliffs, Kranjac has filed to run but remains a lesser-known contender.
- Jim Fazzone – A former mayor of Burlington City with experience in education and public service.
- Rev. Robert Canfield – A real estate broker and firearms instructor running as an outsider candidate.
What's next:
With the powerful "county line" ballot system eliminated, party endorsements will carry less weight, and voters will have more influence over the June 10, 2025, primary election. The general election in November 2025 is expected to be a tight contest, with New Jersey’s recent elections trending closer despite its Democratic-leaning history.