If you were watching the news late into the night this past November, you probably saw the maps turning blue in places Republicans usually count on. It's official: Mikie Sherrill is the winner of the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election. Honestly, it wasn't even as close as the pundits predicted it would be.
While some polls in October suggested a "toss-up" or a narrow gap, Sherrill ended up pulling off a decisive victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. It's a huge deal because she’s now set to become the first female military veteran to lead a U.S. state. Plus, it marks the first time since the 1960s that the Democratic party has held onto the New Jersey governor's mansion for three terms in a row.
People are still talking about how she did it. We're currently in that weird transition phase where Phil Murphy is packing up his boxes and Sherrill is getting ready for her big inauguration day on January 20, 2026.
Who Won Governor New Jersey and Why the Margin Matters
When you look at the raw numbers, the "who won governor New Jersey" question has a very clear answer: Mikie Sherrill. She grabbed about 57% of the vote, leaving Jack Ciattarelli with roughly 43%.
This 14-point gap is kinda shocking if you remember 2021. Back then, Phil Murphy barely squeaked by with a 3% lead. Most people—Republicans and Democrats alike—expected another nail-biter. Especially since the state seemed to be drifting "redder" in recent years. But Sherrill managed to flip towns that haven't voted for a Democrat in decades.
Take Morris County. It’s been a GOP stronghold since the Nixon era. Sherrill won it. She also came within single digits in Hunterdon County, which is basically unheard of for a modern Democrat.
Why Jack Ciattarelli Lost This Time
This was Jack’s third try. He’s a guy who literally visited every single municipality in the state. He ate at over 600 diners. People liked him; they thought he was approachable and "smarter" about his messaging this time around. He even had an endorsement from Donald Trump.
But that endorsement might have been a double-edged sword. In a state like Jersey, being tied too closely to national GOP figures can be a tough sell in the suburbs. Sherrill’s team leaned hard into her background as a Navy helicopter pilot and a former prosecutor. She framed herself as a "pragmatic problem solver" rather than a partisan warrior, and it clearly resonated with those swing voters in the "donut" counties.
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The Big Issues: Property Taxes and the "Affordability" Buzzword
If you live in Jersey, you know the drill. It’s the property taxes. It’s always the property taxes.
During the debates, both candidates basically tripped over each other trying to prove they’d be the one to lower costs. Sherrill talked a lot about "accountability" and protecting kids, while Ciattarelli stuck to his "Fix NJ" slogan.
There was this pretty nasty moment in their second debate where Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of profiting from "propaganda" for opioid makers. It got personal. They even bickered over the release of military records and old college scandals. Honestly, it was a typical, messy Jersey brawl.
But a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows that now the shouting is over, residents have one big demand. They want Sherrill to focus on:
- Property Taxes: Still the #1 priority for 28% of residents.
- General Affordability: Rent, groceries, and just "living."
- Utility Costs: A rising concern for about 9% of the state.
People aren't asking for grand ideological shifts. They just want to be able to afford their mortgage without selling a kidney.
Breaking Down the Map: Where the Election Was Won
Sherrill didn't just win the big cities like Newark and Jersey City (though she crushed it there, obviously). She won because she held onto the "blue-collar" towns that Democrats had been losing.
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- Passaic County: Towns like Clifton and Passaic City swung back to her after looking shaky in 2024.
- Bergen County: She won the county by 11 points, which is a solid "safe" margin.
- The Shore: Ciattarelli still dominated in Ocean County (67% of the vote), but he didn't get the massive surges elsewhere needed to offset Sherrill’s suburban strength.
It’s worth noting that Sherrill’s running mate, Dale Caldwell, also played a role in keeping the base energized. They ran a very disciplined, well-funded campaign—actually the most expensive in NJ history. We’re talking tens of millions of dollars spent on TV ads that you probably couldn't escape if you turned on a screen.
What Happens Next for New Jersey?
So, Sherrill is the Governor-elect. What’s the timeline?
Phil Murphy is finishing out his final days. His term officially ends on January 20, 2026. That’s the same day Mikie Sherrill will stand on the steps of the State House in Trenton and take the oath of office.
She’s stepping into a "trifecta" situation. The Democrats control the Governor's office, the State Senate, and the Assembly. In theory, she should have a smooth ride to pass legislation. But "Jersey politics" is never that simple. There are always internal fights between the North and South Jersey factions of the party.
Actionable Steps for NJ Residents
If you want to have a say in how this new administration starts, here is what you can actually do:
- Watch the Inauguration: It’s happening Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Most local news stations stream it live.
- Contact the Transition Team: Most incoming governors have a transition website where you can submit "public policy suggestions." If you have a specific idea about property tax reform, that’s where it goes.
- Monitor the First 100 Days: Keep an eye on her first budget proposal in February/March. That’s where the "affordability" promises either become real or get buried in the fine print.
The 2025 election showed that New Jerseyans are tired of the "red vs. blue" national noise and are more focused on their own wallets. Sherrill won because she convinced people she was the best bet to keep the lights on and the taxes (hopefully) down. Now, she actually has to do it.