New Jersey Primary Election Polls Now Open for Governor Candidates and Other Races
New Jersey voters head to the polls today for primary elections affecting the gubernatorial race for both Democrats and Republicans. High-profile candidates are competing as they respond to local issues and Trump’s influence. Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as turnout is anticipated to be crucial in this tight race.
New Jersey is holding its primary elections today, affecting both the Democratic and Republican primaries for governor. This event could provide insight into how voters are reacting to President Donald Trump’s political influence and how the Democratic party plans to respond moving forward. Notably, New Jersey is one of only two states with gubernatorial elections this year, alongside Virginia, making this contest especially intriguing given the current political landscape.
Currently, incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is not seeking reelection due to term limits, leading to a six-way race on the Democratic side, featuring diverse candidates. Among them are U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney. The competition is steep. Gottheimer has raised approximately $9.1 million, edging out Sherrill and Fulop, who have raised nearly $8.9 million each. Polls suggest that Sherrill has a slight lead, though results could vary significantly with voter turnout.
On the Republican side, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is making another attempt for the state’s top office, following a close race in 2021. Other contenders include state Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, talk radio host Bill Spadea, and contractor Justin Barbera. Donald Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli has been a game-changer, giving him a significant advantage despite his previous critical remarks about the former president. It’s notable that Bramnick remains a critic of Trump, a rarity among the GOP candidates.
Aside from personal political agendas, the elections are heavily influenced by statewide issues, particularly around high property taxes and rising living costs. Trump’s influence in the state remains strong, leading to an interesting dynamic among candidates and their strategies to appeal to voters in this context. Democratic candidates aim to resonate with voters who felt the sting of loss in recent elections, while Republicans hope to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the state’s administration.
Looking beyond the gubernatorial race, all 80 General Assembly seats are also up for grabs, although only 25 districts have contested races. Voters can choose up to two candidates per district. Democratic dominance in the Assembly is apparent, and state Senate elections are not set until 2027, with only a special election in two northern counties on the ballot today.
The turnout from populous counties like Bergen and Essex will likely be pivotal. For Democrats, retaining the governor’s seat is more than just a win; it is essential to avoid further losses. Republicans, notably, see an opportunity to flip a traditionally blue state, which could add weight to Trump’s influence in broader national politics.
If you’re looking to vote today, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close, you can still cast your vote as long as you remain there. Remember, only registered party members can vote in their party’s primaries, with independents allowed to choose either side. Tracking your mail-in ballot is also possible through the New Jersey Division of Elections’ portal, ensuring you can monitor its status.
New Jersey’s primary election today is not just about picking candidates; it is also about laying a foundation for upcoming general elections and understanding how various issues are impacting voter preferences. The implications are widespread, and all eyes are on the outcomes.
The New Jersey primary elections today will help shape the political landscape for both parties, especially with high-profile races for governor. Voter turnout and engagement will be crucial in determining the winners amidst local and national issues. How candidates respond to Trump’s influence and address state-specific concerns may set the tone for the upcoming general election in November.
Original Source: www.nbcnewyork.com
