With the New Jersey gubernatorial race heating up, a new poll reveals a surprising tie between candidates Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli. According to the Emerson College poll, both candidates hold 43% of the electorate’s support, marking a significant development in the state’s political landscape. This is the first mainstream poll indicating such a close race, as previous surveys had Sherrill leading either in the Democratic primary or the general election.
The poll sheds light on several demographic trends within the electorate. Young voters, particularly those under 40, favor Sherrill by a wide margin of 58% to 24%. However, Ciattarelli garners stronger support among older voters, leading 52% to 36% among those over 50 years old. A notable gender divide is also apparent, with women favoring Sherrill by ten points and men aligning with Ciattarelli by twelve points.
Mikie Sherrill’s background includes a distinguished career as a Naval Academy graduate, Navy helicopter pilot, and federal prosecutor before her successful run for Congress in 2018. Her track record and alignment with voters under 40 add momentum to her campaign. Jack Ciattarelli, making his third gubernatorial bid, emphasizes his deep New Jersey roots and professional experience as a certified public accountant and former medical publishing company owner. His appeal appears to resonate particularly well with older voters.
The poll also touches on key issues such as utility costs, which 30% of respondents attribute to utility companies. Regarding property taxes, 46% believe multiple entities, including the state legislature and local governments, share the blame.
The survey also captured sentiments toward prominent political figures, with President Trump’s approval rating standing at 41% and Governor Phil Murphy at 35%. In response to these figures, both candidates have strategically connected their opponents to these controversial figures: Sherrill links Ciattarelli to Trump, while Ciattarelli ties Sherrill to Murphy and state living costs.
Adding to the political drama, former President Donald Trump expressed his support for Ciattarelli through a social media post, praising his stances on crime and taxes while criticizing Sherrill.
Historically a blue state in national elections, New Jersey presents a unique battleground in gubernatorial races, often alternating between Republican and Democratic leadership. The close contention in this election underscores the dynamic political climate and the importance of each campaign’s strategy in securing the governorship. As the race continues to unfold, both candidates face the challenging task of swaying undecided voters and solidifying their respective bases.