You’ve probably seen the lists online. They’re usually just a dry sequence of names and dates that make your eyes glaze over. But honestly, the governor New Jersey list isn't just a record of politicians; it’s basically a map of how American power works.
New Jersey has one of the most powerful governorships in the entire country. Like, seriously. While other states have you vote for an Attorney General or a Secretary of State, in Jersey, the Governor just picks them. It’s a massive amount of consolidated authority.
Right now, we are in a weird, transitional moment. Phil Murphy is finishing up his final days in the State House. He’s the 56th person to hold the title. But as of January 2026, the name at the top of the list is about to change to Mikie Sherrill.
The Current State of the Governor New Jersey List
If you look at the recent winners, you'll notice a pattern. Or maybe a lack of one. New Jersey is famous for swinging back and forth, but Mikie Sherrill’s victory in November 2025 changed the math. She beat Jack Ciattarelli in a race that wasn’t nearly as close as people expected.
Sherrill is set to be sworn in on January 20, 2026. This is a big deal for a few reasons. She’s only the second woman to ever lead the state. Ever. It’s kinda wild when you think about how long the state has been around. She’s also the first female military veteran to take the job.
Why the 2025 Election Matters for the List
The history books will record Sherrill as the 57th Governor. But the real story is that her win marked the first time since 1961 that one party won three consecutive terms in the Governor’s mansion. Phil Murphy broke the "one-and-done" curse for Democrats, and Sherrill just extended that streak.
Jack Ciattarelli, who has now run three times, couldn't quite bridge the gap in the suburbs. Even though he had the endorsement of Donald Trump, Sherrill pulled off wins in places like Morris County—places Democrats historically just don't win.
Looking Back: The Heavy Hitters
You can't talk about the governor New Jersey list without mentioning the people who actually defined the office. It started with William Livingston back in 1776. He served for 14 years. That’s a long time to be in charge of anything, let alone a brand-new state during a revolution.
Then you have the modern era. People still talk about Tom Kean (the 48th Governor) like he’s a folk hero. He was a Republican who actually won over Democrats. He’s the guy who famously said, "New Jersey and you, perfect together."
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Then there’s Christie Todd Whitman. Before Sherrill, she was the only woman on the list. She served from 1994 to 2001 before heading off to D.C. to run the EPA.
Recent Names You Know
- Chris Christie (2010–2018): Love him or hate him, he was everywhere. National news, late-night talk shows, and of course, the whole Bridgegate mess.
- Jon Corzine (2006–2010): The former Goldman Sachs CEO who found out that running a state is way harder than running a bank.
- Jim McGreevey (2002–2004): His resignation speech is one of the most famous moments in Jersey political history.
The Power Dynamic Most People Miss
Basically, the Governor of New Jersey is a "constitutional king." That sounds like an exaggeration, but it isn't. Under the 1947 Constitution, the Governor has incredible line-item veto power. They can strike out specific spending in a bill without killing the whole thing.
Most states spread power around. They have "long ballots" where you pick everyone from the state treasurer to the agriculture commissioner. In Jersey? You get the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor. That’s it. Everyone else serves at the pleasure of the Governor.
This is why the governor New Jersey list is so much more than a list of names. Each name represents a person who held more executive authority than almost any other state leader in the U.S.
What Happens Next?
As Phil Murphy delivers his final State of the State addresses this month, he’s highlighting things like the "fastest-growing economy in the Northeast" and his 100% clean energy goals for 2035. He’s trying to cement his legacy before Sherrill takes over.
Sherrill has already signaled she’s going to do things differently. She’s talked about freezing utility rate hikes and cutting "red tape." Honestly, every new governor says they’ll cut red tape. We’ll see if she actually does it.
The transition is happening right now. The move from Murphy to Sherrill represents a shift toward a younger, more "accountability-focused" administration, at least according to her campaign trail promises.
Actionable Insights for Following NJ Politics
If you’re trying to keep up with how the state is changing, don't just look at the names. Look at the appointments.
Since the Governor picks the entire cabinet, the first few weeks of Sherrill's term will be the real indicator of where the state is going. Watch who she picks for Attorney General and Commissioner of Education. Those people will have more impact on your daily life than almost anyone in Washington.
Keep an eye on the state budget. New Jersey’s fiscal health is always on a knife's edge. The Governor’s ability to use that line-item veto is the only thing that keeps the gears turning. If you want to understand the true power of the office, watch how they handle the first budget battle in the spring of 2026.
The history of the Jersey governorship is a history of big personalities and even bigger power. Whether it's the 1700s or 2026, the person in that office holds the keys to the Garden State.