Primary day in New Jersey governor's race could offer hints on how voters feel about Trump
TRENTON: New Jersey voters on Tuesday will settle the Democratic and Republican primaries for governor in a contest that could send signals about how the public is responding to President Donald Trump's agenda and how Democratic voters think their leaders should push back.
New Jersey is one of just two states with a race for governor this year — the other is Virginia — and the fact two-term Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited has created fresh drama for the open seat.
There's a six-way race on the Democratic side that features several seasoned political figures. Trump's endorsement of former state lawmaker Jack Ciattarelli may have given him a boost on the Republican side, where he faces four primary challengers.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, but it's not the only day of voting. Early in-person voting was held from June 3-8. Mail-in ballots were sent to voters beginning in April.
The contest hinges in part on New Jersey issues, including high property taxes and the soaring cost of living, but national politics are sure to figure in. Trump, who has long had a strong presence in New Jersey, waded into the race with his endorsement, attacking Democratic control of state government. Democrats are looking for a winning message and leadership after the sting of bitter losses in 2024.
"Because these are the first major elections since Donald Trump's return to the White House, there's a tremendous amount at stake simply through public perception," said Ben Dworkin, director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship.
For Democrats? 'They'll just get further in a hole if they don't hold this seat,' he said.
For Republicans? They could win because New Jersey tends to be purple during gubernatorial years, Dworkin said, but that would be viewed as a tremendous victory for Trump.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Local emergency': Mayor Karen Bass declares curfew in downtown LA amid anti-ICE protests; nearly 200 arrested
(AP photo) Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday declared a local emergency and imposed an overnight curfew in downtown Los Angeles as protests against federal immigration raids continued for a fifth straight day. The curfew will run from 8pm Tuesday to 6am Wednesday, covering a one-square-mile area bounded by the 5, 10, and 110 freeways. 'I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting,' Bass announced at an evening news conference. 'If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area. Law enforcement will arrest individuals who break the curfew and you will be prosecuted.' The order comes after days of unrest sparked by a series of immigration raids carried out by federal agents in the Westlake District, downtown, and South Los Angeles Since Friday, protesters have clashed with law enforcement, resulting in nearly 200 arrests, reported by CBS news. According to Bass, at least 23 businesses were looted Monday night. The curfew exempts residents, workers, credentialed media, and people experiencing homelessness, as confirmed by LAPD chief Jim McDonnell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Endlich, spiele das beste Farm-Spiel 2025 gratis! Sunrise Village Jetzt spielen Undo The escalating demonstrations have drawn national attention. US President Donald Trump deployed thousands of California National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to protect federal buildings, a move made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. 'Donald Trump is putting fuel on this fire,' Newsom wrote Sunday on X. 'Commandeering a state's National Guard without consulting the Governor of that state is illegal and immoral. California will be taking him to court.' Despite the curfew and heavy security presence, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, which began in response to what they say is an unjust crackdown on immigrant communities.
Economic Times
33 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Ciattarelli and Sherrill win New Jersey primaries, set stage for high-stakes governor's race
Ciattarelli rides Trump endorsement to GOP victory Sherrill wins rowded Democratic field Live Events A record-breaking, open race (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Jersey's 2025 gubernatorial race is officially set, with Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill securing their parties' nominations after a fiercely contested and record-breaking primary Ciattarelli, a former state legislator, emerged victorious in the Republican primary , defeating four rivals: former radio personality Bill Spadea, State Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin campaign was buoyed by a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, who rallied supporters via a tele-rally, declaring Ciattarelli 'is going to help us win November and send a powerful message that New Jersey is turning red'.Ciattarelli, who nearly unseated Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, positioned himself as the Trump-aligned candidate most capable of flipping the traditionally blue state. 'He endorsed me because I'm the only individual who can defeat the Democrats in November, and the objective is to win,' Ciattarelli said during a recent the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill claimed victory in a crowded field of six, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Sean Spiller, and former State Senate President Steve a moderate and former Navy helicopter pilot, leaned on her military and prosecutorial background, emphasizing leadership and crisis management: 'I learned early on: In a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze. You have to choose to lead,' she told campaign focused on affordability, promising to expand the state's Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, and invest in housing and renewable energy. She raised $2.8 million during the primary, making her one of the top House fundraisers year's primaries were the most expensive in New Jersey's history, with major-party candidates spending nearly $55 million, including $37 million in public matching funds. The open seat, due to Governor Murphy's term limits, drew an unusually crowded and competitive field on both sides, with no clear front-runner until the final votes were Ciattarelli and Sherrill now set for a high-stakes November showdown, New Jersey voters will decide whether the Garden State stays blue or flips red in one of 2025's most closely watched gubernatorial contests.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Treasury secretary Bessent seen in race to succeed US Fed's Powell
A growing chorus of advisers inside and outside the Trump administration are pushing another name to serve as the next chair of the Federal Reserve: Treasury secretary Scott Bessent. US President Donald Trump said Friday he would name a successor "very soon" to replace Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chair ends in May 2026. The small list of candidates under consideration has included Kevin Warsh, a former Fed official whom Trump interviewed for the Treasury secretary role in Nov, according to people familiar with the matter. But Bessent - who is leading Trump's effort to kickstart the US economy with sweeping changes to trade, taxes and regulation - is also now one of the contenders for the job, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Formal interviews for the position have not begun, two of the people said. "I have the best job in Washington," Bessent said in response to a request for comment. "The President will decide who's best for the economy and the American people." A senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disputed the reporting without providing further specifics. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
