A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals that Democrat Mikie Sherrill leads Republican Jack Ciattarelli by 8 points in the New Jersey governor’s race. Among likely voters, Sherrill has the support of 49%, while Ciattarelli has 41%.
Demographics and voter enthusiasm
The poll shows a clear partisan divide. Sherrill is supported by 93% of Democrats, while Ciattarelli has the backing of 90% of Republicans. Independents are nearly split, with 45% for Sherrill and 41% for Ciattarelli. A notable gender gap exists, as women favor Sherrill by a margin of 55% to 35%, while men are mixed, with 48% for Ciattarelli and 44% for Sherrill.
When asked about enthusiasm, 88% of Ciattarelli’s supporters and 85% of Sherrill’s supporters expressed they were either very or somewhat enthusiastic about their candidate.
Key issues and candidate traits
According to the poll, taxes are the most important issue for voters, cited by 30% of respondents, followed by ethics in government at 14%. The importance of these issues varies by political party. For Republicans, taxes (40%), immigration (13%), and crime (11%) are the top concerns. Democrats are most concerned with ethics in government (20%), health care (18%), and taxes (17%).
While voters overall see Ciattarelli as slightly better at handling property taxes (46% to 40%), Sherrill leads on personal traits. She is seen as more caring (50% to 44%), possessing better leadership skills (52% to 44%), and being more honest (49% to 38%).
Other poll findings
- Satisfaction with the state: Likely voters are split on their satisfaction with how things are going in New Jersey, with 49% satisfied and 49% dissatisfied.
- Trump’s approval: 41% of likely voters approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 55% disapprove.
- Approval of state leaders: Gov. Phil Murphy has a 48% job approval rating, Senator Cory Booker has 46%, and Senator Andy Kim has 46%.
The poll, conducted from September 11-15, surveyed 1,238 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
