By: Andrew Schiff

On Tuesday, New Jersey will take center stage in a pivotal political moment as voters head to the polls for the state’s primary elections. These contests will shape the future leadership of the Garden State, including the selection of a new governor and a fresh slate of representatives in the state assembly. With Governor Phil Murphy completing his second and final term, the race to succeed him has drawn a crowded and diverse field of contenders.

Nearly a dozen candidates are in the running to become New Jersey’s next chief executive, making this one of the most consequential gubernatorial primaries in recent memory. Each contender brings distinct credentials and a vision for the state’s future. Notable Democrats in the race include former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, State Senate President Steve Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, and New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller. Together, they reflect the broad ideological and demographic diversity of the Democratic Party in New Jersey.

Key policy debates, particularly around immigration, have added intensity to the campaign trail. One flashpoint came in May, when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was briefly detained at a protest. Though a trespassing charge against him was later dropped by federal authorities, the episode drew national attention and fueled political discourse around immigration enforcement and activism.

On the Republican side, the primary features its own share of heavyweight contenders. Former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is making a third bid for governor, energized by his close showing in the 2021 general election when he lost to Murphy by a narrow three-point margin. Ciattarelli’s earlier campaign experience from 2017 bolsters his standing as a seasoned candidate with a clear agenda.

Ciattarelli’s candidacy received a significant boost in May when he was endorsed by former President Donald Trump—a notable development, considering the former assemblyman’s previous remarks questioning Trump’s fitness for office. Despite past tensions, Trump has remained an influential force in Republican races across the country, and his support could prove pivotal in a competitive field.

Other GOP hopefuls include state Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, talk radio host Bill Spadea, and general contractor Justin Barbera. The Republican primary is expected to be hard-fought, as candidates vie for the chance to reclaim the governor’s mansion for the GOP.

Beyond the governor’s race, voters will also cast ballots for the state General Assembly, where all 80 seats are up for election. Only 25 of the state’s legislative districts feature contested primaries, but each district elects two representatives, meaning voters will select up to two candidates. The Democrats currently enjoy a commanding majority in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the State Senate seats are not up for election until 2027, with one exception: voters in District 35 in northern New Jersey will participate in a special state Senate election. However, both the Democratic and Republican primaries in that race are uncontested. The Democrats maintain a solid hold on the upper chamber as well.

This primary season comes at a time of shifting political tides. Traditional power dynamics in both parties are being tested by new voices and movements, and Tuesday’s results could send early signals about where the electorate is headed ahead of the 2026 general election.

Voter Eligibility and Participation Rules

Participation in the primaries is limited to registered party members. Democrats may only vote in the Democratic primary, and Republicans can only vote in the Republican one. However, New Jersey’s unaffiliated voters—who make up a significant portion of the electorate—can choose to vote in either party’s primary. Doing so, however, automatically registers them with the party they select.

What Do the Numbers Say?

New Jersey boasts a registered voter base of approximately 6.6 million people. According to the latest figures, Democrats comprise 37% of registered voters, or roughly 2.4 million individuals. Republicans account for around 25%, or 1.6 million voters. The remaining 2.4 million are unaffiliated, representing a potentially decisive bloc in any given race, particularly in primaries with relatively low turnout.

Turnout will be closely monitored by political analysts, especially as early and mail-in voting continue to rise in popularity. Both parties are mobilizing heavily, with ground games and media campaigns aimed at maximizing participation. The competitiveness of this year’s gubernatorial and assembly primaries is expected to drive higher than usual engagement among voters.

With Governor Murphy leaving office, New Jersey stands at a crossroads. Voters now have the opportunity to define the state’s political direction for years to come. From seasoned legislators and big-city mayors to outspoken newcomers and business leaders, the candidates vying for leadership represent a broad array of policy priorities and political ideologies.

Tuesday’s primary elections are not merely a procedural step—they are a referendum on the future of New Jersey. Whether voters are motivated by taxes, immigration, infrastructure, or education, their decisions will have profound implications for the state’s economic health, governance, and national profile.

As the primaries unfold, all eyes will be on the Garden State. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the outcome will shape the political landscape of New Jersey for a generation to come.