Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, has been elected governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in Tuesday’s closely watched race.

The contest marked the first open governor’s race in the state since 2017 and drew significant national attention as Republicans sought to build on Ciattarelli’s strong performance in his 2021 campaign, when he came within three percentage points of unseating Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy.

Sherrill’s victory solidifies continued Democratic control in one of the country’s most reliably blue states, though the race was viewed as more competitive than expected throughout the campaign.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: JD Vance’s Brother Cory Bowman Delivers Classy Concession After His Election Defeat [WATCH]

Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and business owner, gained momentum in the final weeks, drawing support from independent voters, several local Democratic officials, and some labor groups that traditionally back Democrats.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Are you glad President Trump is building the new WH ballroom?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from Objectivist.co, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Polling throughout October indicated a tightening contest.

Sherrill’s campaign faced internal concern after data showed declining enthusiasm among Black voters compared with past statewide Democratic candidates.

Party strategists privately acknowledged the challenge, noting that maintaining urban voter turnout was critical to offset Ciattarelli’s gains in the suburbs.

MORE NEWS: Virginia Snubs Black Female Candidate, Elects a Former CIA Operations Officer Instead [WATCH]

Sherrill’s campaign was also met with criticism over financial disclosures indicating a sharp increase in her personal net worth during her time in Congress.

Reports noted that the congresswoman’s assets had grown by several million dollars since taking office, though no explanation was offered by her campaign.

Another controversy arose after Sherrill declined to comment on the death of Assata Shakur, also known as Joanne Chesimard, a convicted murderer and member of the Black Liberation Army who fled to Cuba after being convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster.

MORE NEWS: CNN’s Scott Jennings Warns Panel as Democrats Celebrate Election Victories [WATCH]

Sherrill’s silence drew criticism from law enforcement groups and political opponents, while Governor Phil Murphy publicly condemned left-wing organizations that issued statements mourning Shakur’s death.

Despite those setbacks, Sherrill maintained consistent backing from the Democratic establishment and focused her campaign messaging on opposition to President Donald Trump.

Throughout debates and rallies, she framed the race as a choice between “protecting democracy” and “returning to Trump-era politics.”

That strategy resonated with Democratic voters, particularly in northern New Jersey counties where turnout exceeded early projections.

Ciattarelli’s campaign emphasized state-level issues, including the cost of living, taxes, and education.

He argued that New Jersey’s economic outlook required new leadership and criticized Sherrill’s focus on national politics.

His campaign also highlighted bipartisan endorsements, including from several municipal Democrats and local union officials who cited his record as a pragmatic legislator.

Final vote totals showed Sherrill maintaining a comfortable lead across Essex, Hudson, and Mercer counties, while Ciattarelli performed strongly in Monmouth, Ocean, and Sussex counties.

MORE NEWS: Wild Brawl Breaks Out at a Bass Pro Grand Opening in Texas [WATCH]

With more than 95 percent of precincts reporting, Sherrill secured approximately 53 percent of the vote to Ciattarelli’s 46 percent.

In her victory speech, Sherrill thanked supporters and pledged to “deliver for every community in this state.”

Ciattarelli, addressing his supporters in Somerset County, congratulated Sherrill on her win and thanked his campaign team for what he described as “a movement that will continue to fight for affordability and common sense in New Jersey.”

The outcome marks another statewide victory for Democrats in New Jersey, extending their control over the governor’s office and legislature as the state prepares to address ongoing challenges related to taxes, infrastructure, and economic recovery.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Objectivist. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.