Honestly, if you were watching the news last November, you probably saw the big headlines about Mikie Sherrill becoming New Jersey's first female Democratic governor. It was a massive win. A 13-point margin over Jack Ciattarelli isn't just a victory; it’s a statement. But while the pundits were obsessing over the "Sherrill Slide" in Trenton, something way more interesting was happening at the local level.
The real story of the nj local election results isn't just about the top of the ticket. It’s about the fact that the suburban "red wall" didn't just crack—it basically dissolved.
The Suburban Shift Nobody Expected
For years, places like Morris and Monmouth Counties were the GOP's bread and butter. You’ve heard the narrative: suburbs are where Republicans hold the line. Well, that line moved. Sherrill became the first Democrat to carry Morris County since 1973. Think about that for a second. Richard Nixon was in the White House the last time that happened.
But look closer at the Assembly races. In District 21, which covers parts of Morris, Somerset, and Union, two Republican incumbents—Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis—got ousted by Democrats Andrew Macurdy and Vincent Kearney. A 5,700-vote margin in a district that used to be a GOP stronghold is a tectonic shift.
Why? It wasn't just one thing. It was a "vibes" shift mixed with hard math.
✨ Don't miss: Melissa Calhoun Satellite High Teacher Dismissal: What Really Happened
The elimination of the "county line" on the ballot changed the physics of NJ voting. Voters weren't just clicking a single button for a party slate; they were actually looking at names. In District 32, we saw this play out in real-time when Katie Brennan and Ravi Bhalla (the Hoboken Mayor) knocked off incumbents during the primary. By the time the general election rolled around, the momentum was unstoppable.
Mayoral Madness and the Runoff Reality
If you live in Jersey City, you know the drama didn't end on Election Night. The mayoral race to replace Steve Fulop turned into a heavyweight bout. James Solomon, the councilman known for being a bit of a progressive firebrand, pulled 29% of the vote. Jim McGreevey, the former governor looking for a political second act, pulled 25%.
That sent the whole thing into a December runoff. It was a classic "new guard vs. old guard" scenario. Solomon eventually took it, signaling that even in deep-blue Hudson County, the "establishment" label is becoming a liability.
Meanwhile, down in Atlantic City, Marty Small Sr. managed to hold onto his seat against Republican Naeem Khan. It was a messy cycle for Small, but he survived. It just goes to show that in Jersey, local incumbency is a powerful drug, but it's not a guarantee anymore.
🔗 Read more: Wisconsin Judicial Elections 2025: Why This Race Broke Every Record
The "Supermajority" and Why It Matters to Your Tax Bill
Democrats didn't just win; they secured a supermajority in the General Assembly. They’re looking at a 55-25 split now. That is the largest Democratic foothold in that chamber since the 70s.
So, what does that actually mean for you?
- Property Tax Aid: Sherrill campaigned hard on an "affordability agenda." With a supermajority, she doesn't need to beg Republicans for votes to pass property tax freezes or utility rate caps.
- School Funding: This is the big one. We're seeing a push to recalibrate how state aid is distributed. If you're in a "distressed" district, you might see a windfall. If you're in a wealthy suburb, keep an eye on your local board of education—they might be doing some belt-tightening.
- Transit and Infrastructure: The Gateway Tunnel and NJ Transit reform are now on the fast track. There’s basically no legislative friction left to stop these projects.
What Most People Miss: The School Board "Cooldown"
There was a lot of talk leading up to the nj local election results about school boards becoming the new frontline for culture wars. We saw some of that, sure. But in a lot of districts, voters actually steered back toward the middle. In places like Edison and Fair Lawn, the "non-partisan" slates that focused on boring stuff like "budgeting" and "roof repairs" actually beat out the high-decibel candidates.
It turns out, even in a hyper-polarized state, parents still care more about their kid’s math scores than they do about national talking points.
💡 You might also like: Casey Ramirez: The Small Town Benefactor Who Smuggled 400 Pounds of Cocaine
The 2026 Special Election: The Next Domino
Because Sherrill resigned her House seat to become governor, we’re already back at the polls. The special primary for the 11th Congressional District is set for February 5, 2026.
It’s a massive field. You’ve got 11 Democrats fighting over it. Analilia Mejia has the progressive wing behind her (Bernie Sanders and AOC endorsed her), while the "establishment" is split between folks like Tom Malinowski and Brendan Gill. On the GOP side, Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph, is the guy to watch.
This race is going to be a massive test case. If Mejia wins the primary, it proves the progressive wing has officially taken over the North Jersey suburbs. If a centrist wins, it shows the "Sherrill Model" is still the golden ticket.
Actionable Insights for NJ Residents
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these names and numbers, don't be. Here is how you should actually use this info:
- Check Your New Assembly Reps: Your district might have flipped. If you’re in District 8 or 21, you have new people in Trenton. Look up their office numbers; they are much more responsive to local phone calls than your US Senators are.
- Watch the 11th District Special Election: If you live in Morris or parts of Essex/Passaic, you’re voting again in April. Don't let voter fatigue keep you home. The winner of this seat will finish out the term until 2027.
- Engage with Your School Board: Now that the election heat has died down, attend a meeting. The "affordability" policies being discussed in Trenton will hit your local school budget by mid-2026.
- Monitor the Budget: The FY 2026 Governor's Budget is already being drafted. It includes a $1.0 million "Youth Vote Expansion Grant" to let 16 and 17-year-olds vote in school board elections. If your district opts in, your household’s voting power just changed.
The nj local election results showed us that New Jersey isn't just a "blue state"—it's a state in the middle of a massive identity shift. The old rules about which counties belong to which party are officially in the trash. Whether you’re happy about the results or not, the "Sherrill Era" is starting with more power than any governor has had in decades. Use that knowledge to keep your local officials accountable. They’ve got the majority; now they have to deliver.