10. How we rank
Let’s start our ranking with the governor’s favorite (or least favorite) ranking: How New Jersey ranks in CNBC’s top states for business. In 2023, when New Jersey ranked No. 19, the governor mentioned it frequently. The mentions dropped in 2024 (when New Jersey dropped to No. 25). And in 2025, there was nary a peep when the state came in at No. 30.
Two other surveys seemed to copy that answer.
A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll in the summer found nearly half of the residents felt the state was headed in the wrong direction. And a New Jersey Business & Industry Association ranking in the spring put New Jersey at the bottom in comparison to other states in the Northeast.
Click here to read BINJE’s Year in Review 2025 Digital Edition
9. Pursuing Pennsylvania
We may share our longest border with Pennsylvania, but the Keystone State was so far ahead of us in the CNBC Poll (it was No. 17) that it felt miles away. Pennsylvania also was at the top of the NJBIA business-friendly poll.
Both gubernatorial candidates, eventual winner Mikie Sherrill and runner-up Jack Ciattarelli, certainly noticed. Pennsylvania’s policies (including a low corporate tax rate, by the way) were frequently mentioned on the campaign trail. It remains to be seen how this will impact Sherrill’s policies moving forward.
8. Middlesex County
Surely, someone has to be doing it right in New Jersey? Look no further than Middlesex County, an area that takes advantage of its “eds and meds” like no one else.
The opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, as well as the continuing efforts at the HELIX truly set it apart.
But that’s not all the county is doing. Its $500 million strategic plan will set up residents now and in the future.
7. Next generation
Sherrill has the potential to be a transformative next-generation leader.
There also hope that her rise will bring more women into political office. The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey is just one of many groups striving to do just that.
6. EDA replay
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority was transformed under the leadership of CEO Tim Sullivan the past eight years.
We summed up the hits and misses in a three-part series:
- Broadening what economic development means
- The two most impactful programs (and one
near-miss) - Successes and shortcomings in effort to help minority business
5. Murphy retrospective
We did a seven-part series on the governor’s two terms:
- COVID-19
- Offshore wind
- Taxes, budgets and surpluses
- Choose New Jersey
- Disparity and diversity
- Grading his legacy
- Quiet goodbye
4. No debating it
No matter who you thought won the first gubernatorial debate, there was no debating the fact that the town-hall style gave it an atmosphere unlike anything the state has seen in some time.
Worth noting: The Election Law Enforcement Commission surprised many by giving the debate to ON New Jersey, a streaming service. That decision proved to be prescient — and should be repeated four years from now.
3. Star of the show
You gotta love politics. And pop culture. And a world where anyone of any age can find fame — or notoriety.
There’s nothing like having two seasoned politicians go at it in public — then have a 12-year-old produce the biggest moment of the night. Such was the case at the first gubernatorial debate, when seventh-grader Marc Muir stole the show.
2. Breaking down the big win
Even the most ardent Sherrill supporters did not think she would win by two touchdowns. It was a landslide victory that will be studied for years.
Was it the support of communities of color? Perhaps it was her stay-the-course messaging?
We asked 10 thought leaders to give us their insights.
1. The next four years
How will Sherrill govern? It’s the only political question that really matters. The governor-elect has announced the creation of 10 “action teams,” certainly a nontraditional move. And she has begun a listening tour, as well.
Sherrill has been light on details (it’s early), but she has promised to create a state with opportunities for success — and one that gives business a seat at the table in Trenton (that would be welcomed).
Until Jan. 20, it will all be speculation. Of course, that’s all part of the fun. Here is our take on the day after her landslide victory.
