Democrat Mikie Sherrill became the next governor of the state of New Jersey Tuesday night in stunning fashion, defeating Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli by double digits in a result that certainly was heard far outside state lines.
After months in which members of her own party questioned her campaign — and pollsters indicated the race was tightening — Sherrill’s victory margin (likely to be approximately 13% when all the votes are counted) was the biggest surprise in a statewide election since … Sherrill blew away what was expected to be a competitive field to win the Democratic nomination in June.
Sherrill clearly connects with voters in New Jersey.
And she did it in a way that figures to be a playbook in the midterm elections across New Jersey and the country — by hammering her opponent’s ties to President Donald Trump.
Sherrill also showed she had coattails, as Democrats are expected to pick up at least three seats in the Assembly (potentially seven) and could have their greatest majority in more than 50 years.
All of this in an election that drew more than 3 million voters in the state for the first time.
Sherrill was gracious to Ciattarelli in her acceptance speech, despite a campaign that not only turned nasty but personal. She didn’t hold back on Trump, saying governors have never mattered more — and that we don’t elect Kings.
Despite her huge margin of victory – yes, call it a mandate — Sherrill did reach out to the other side, promising to work for everyone.
“Tomorrow begins a new day,” she said.
Here are a few thoughts on the results.
What it means for Democrats/Sherrill: Many will see the result as a referendum on the president.
This result may prove to be a referendum on Sherrill.
The next presidential election is three years away, but her convincing victory – combined with her resume – can only bolster the opinion of Sherrill that has existed since she first won her Congressional seat in 2018: She has a place on the national stage.
Expect her to be on the short list of VP picks for the next Democratic nominee for president. And should she fare well in her first year in office – don’t be surprised if she is suggested for the top spot on ticket, too.
What it means for Republicans: The race shows what every politico knows – each election is unique. Ciattarelli’s strong run in 2021 did not carry over. Neither did Trump’s strong showing in New Jersey in 2024 (six counties that Trump won flipped back to Democrats).
Ciattarelli, after three failed attempts to become governor (he failed to get the Republican nomination in 2017), is now out of the picture.
The GOP bench now faces a reckoning — not just of candidates, but of message.
There will be plenty of soul searching after such a resounding defeat — at the top spot and in the Assembly. Many will look to State Sen. Michael Testa from South Jersey, but in a sport where so many like to speculate on the next race, it is way too early to tell.
What it means for elections in N.J.: The race became personal in the final weeks and months. Let’s hope no one sees that as the winning play in the state.
And let’s hope no one views Ciattarelli’s endless campaigning as a failed model (he joked he’s been to all 600 or so diners in the past four years). Ciattarelli lost — and did so convincingly — but it certainly wasn’t because of his effort. Let’s hope more candidates follow his retail politics model.
What it means moving forward: Be careful what you wish for. Sherrill has earned the top job in the state — but it figures to be a tough one. The state is facing a huge structural budget deficit (with no more federal money coming), questions on affordability (current tax rebate plans are unfunded) and energy costs that are only starting to surface (declaring a ‘State of Emergency’ on Day One may be more symbolic than structural — but it signals urgency).
Then there are the Trump issues, specifically getting the Gateway Tunnel project back on track and dealing with what is shaping up to be a central focus of Trump’s second term: Cuts to social services.
The good news for Sherrill: She not only has huge numbers in the Legislature — she has a Legislature that just saw how formidable she can be as a statewide candidate. She’ll be afforded plenty of opportunity to push her agenda, starting with her first budget address next February.
What it means for history: Sherrill opened her acceptance speech by invoking the state’s motto — ‘Liberty and Prosperity’ — then jokingly suggested that those in the room needed a civics lesson after realizing so few realized the state even had a motto. Later, she recited the words on the Statue of Liberty.
The fact is, Sherrill made history of her own. She is the second female governor in state history (Gov. Christie Todd Whitman is the other), but the first Democratic. She also is the first Democratic veteran to win the governor’s seat in any state.
Continually playing up her personal resume — Congresswoman, former Navy helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor and mother of four — proved to be the right call. And it could be another stepping-stone moment of a political career that appears to be just getting started.
