Trump's policies and inflation drive governor's race in New Jersey, where GOP has been making gains

"New Jersey voters are electing their next governor Tuesday in a race that will reveal whether Democrats maintain their grip on a state that has been reliably blue but has shown signs of shifting toward Republicans in recent years. Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator endorsed by President Donald Trump, is trying to become New Jersey's first Republican governor since 2018. He faces U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat in her fourth term in Congress who would become the state's second female governor if elected."

"This time, he has cast the election as an opportunity for voters to oust Democrats who have controlled both the governor's office and the state Legislature for nearly eight years. He's touted his background as a business owner with deep roots in the state and experience as a state and local elected official. He says his close relationship with Trump will help New Jersey."

"Sherrill, 53, built her campaign around pushing back against Trump. She recently seized on the administration's decision to abruptly freeze funding for a multibillion-dollar project to replace the aging rail tunnels that connect New Jersey to New York City beneath the Hudson River. This is what we're fighting for in this country to make sure that we have a president who has to follow the law, she said."

New Jersey voters are choosing a governor in a competitive race that could shift longtime Democratic control. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by Donald Trump, is running for governor for the third time and portrays the contest as a chance to remove Democrats who have led the governor's office and Legislature for nearly eight years. He emphasizes his business background and state roots. Democrat Mikie Sherrill centers her campaign on opposing Trump and highlighted the administration's abrupt freeze of funding for a major Hudson River rail tunnel replacement project. The result could indicate voter reaction to Trump-aligned politics and party leadership.

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