It’s Down To Two: The Next Governor of New Jersey [Op Ed]

A few months ago, I wrote an article which stated that one of these four people will be the next Governor of New Jersey.

They were:

• Jack Ciattarelli - Republican
• Mikie Sherrill - Democrat
• Josh Gottheimer - Democrat
• Steve Fullop - Democrat
• Ras Baraka - Democrat (Bonus 5th)

Now, 23 days before Primary Election Day (June 10, 2025), I return with an update, whereby I am narrowing this now to just two people.

JACK CIATTARELLI

Ciattarelli has thoroughly dominated the Republican field from Day 1.

Not for one moment in this campaign season has any Republican challenger been close to Ciattarelli.

Ciattarelli’s lead has consistently been in the 30-point range.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP MADE HIS CHOICE KNOWN

President Donald Trump’s unconditionally endorsement of Ciattarelli last week has slammed the door shut on Bill Spadea, Jon Bramnick and Mario Kranjac.

They never stood a chance before President Trump’s endorsement.

MIKIE SHERRILL

Things have been much different on the Democrat side.

Sherrill has led throughout, however, her lead over Democrat rivals Josh Gottheimer, Steve Fulop, Ras Baraka and Steve Sweeney has been much narrower.

STEVE SWEENEY

Sweeney, the former New Jersey Senate President has always been a distant 5th place on the Democrat side.

Sweeney is unpopular in his own district, which he lost by a wide margin. Sweeney has no statewide appeal whatsoever.

LATEST POLLING DATA

The latest WPIX, The Hill and Emerson poll shows Sherrill with her first large lead in the Democrat Primary field.

Sherrill has a 17-point lead over Fullop and Baraka.

This is one of the first polls since Baraka purposely hit himself arrested at the Newark Immigrant Detention Center.

SHERRILL LARGE DEMOCRAT LEAD IN OTHER NEW POLLS

Sherrill now has a big lead on the Democrat field in several polls released last week:

StimSight Research and AARP polls also have Sherrill with solid double-digit leads over fellow Democrats  Fullop and Baraka..

PRIMARY ELECTION CONCLUSION:

It is undeniably Ciattarelli as the Republican Nominee versus likely Democrat Nominee, Mikie Sherrill.

Ciattarelli has punched his ticket to the General Election.

Sherrill is almost there.

FRONT RUNNER FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION

Jack Ciattarelli has earned his status as the General Election front runner.

Ciattarelli won 48.5 percent of the popular vote for Governor in 2021 General Election for Governor of New Jersey.

Ciattarelli has only enhanced his bonafides since the 2021 election.

Ciattarelli will be the Day 1 General Election front runner. He’s earned it.