Gov. Mikie Sherrill is approaching her first 100 days in office with a steady hand, maintaining favorability ratings that align with her predecessors. however, a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Thursday suggests that while the electorate is optimistic about her leadership in infrastructure and safety, the business community and taxpayers remain wary of the state’s persistent affordability crisis.
According to the data released today, 44% of New Jerseyans hold a favorable impression of the governor, while 29% view her unfavorably. Approximately one-quarter of the state remains undecided, reflecting a “wait-and-see” approach common in the early stages of a new administration.
Sherrill’s strongest marks come from sectors vital to the state’s long-term economic health:
- Crime and Public Safety: 35% of residents gave the governor an ‘A’ or ‘B.’
- Transportation and Infrastructure: 33% awarded high marks, a critical metric for a state serving as a national logistics and transit hub.
- Education: 33% of respondents approved of her handling of schools, a key factor in New Jersey’s ability to attract and retain a high-quality workforce.
Despite the positive momentum in service-oriented sectors, the governor faces a steep climb regarding the “kitchen-table” issues that often dictate the state’s business climate.
Sherrill received her lowest grades in cost of living and taxes, with roughly 30% of New Jerseyans issuing a failing grade (F) in both categories. These results mirror the challenges faced by the previous administration, highlighting the structural difficulties of making New Jersey a more competitive environment for businesses and residents alike.
“No governor can move the needle on the issues that matter most to New Jerseyans in just 100 days – especially against the backdrop of a hyperpartisan political climate and kitchen-table concerns like cost of living,” Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, said.
The poll utilized a standard educational grading scale to assess the governor’s performance across key economic indicators:
Sherrill currently leads the pack in statewide favorability compared to other major political figures. U.S. Senator Cory Booker remains split (38% favorable vs. 33% unfavorable), while junior Senator Andy Kim maintains a positive 2-to-1 ratio, though nearly half of the state is still getting to know him.
As the Sherrill administration moves past the 100-day honeymoon phase, the focus of the business community will likely shift toward her first full budget cycle and her ability to address the tax and affordability concerns that continue to weigh on the state’s economic outlook.
The Rutgers-Eagleton Poll was conducted from March 27 to March 30, 2026, among 1,568 adults, with a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
