U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill clinched the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey on Tuesday, defeating a crowded field in the state’s most expensive primary to date.
Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, won a decisive victory over Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. She will face Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman backed by President Donald Trump, in the Nov. 4 general election.
The Associated Press called the race for Sherrill shortly after 8:30 p.m., with early returns showing her leading with 35.3% of the vote. Despite the high-profile field, the result came earlier than expected.
More than $88 million was spent on advertising in the primary alone, making it the fourth most expensive non-presidential primary in U.S. history. Total spending, including outside groups, reached $122 million, setting a new record for a state election in New Jersey.
This year’s contest was the first gubernatorial primary held without the “county line,” a controversial system that previously gave party-backed candidates prime ballot positions. A new ballot design was used statewide.
If elected in November, Sherrill would become only the second woman to serve as governor in New Jersey history. Her candidacy is seen as relatively moderate in tone. While New Jersey has leaned Democratic in presidential elections, its governorship has frequently swung between parties.
New Jersey is one of only two states holding a gubernatorial election this year, along with Virginia, making the race a key national indicator as Democrats seek to retain control in a state with strategic significance. The contest is also being viewed as an early referendum on voter sentiment during Trump’s second term in office.
Sherrill campaigned on lowering living costs and resisting Trump administration policies, frequently positioning herself as a counterweight to both Trump and Elon Musk. Cost of living ranked as the top issue among Democratic voters, according to exit polls. Sherrill’s approach was described by aides as a “traditional Jersey race,” focused on pragmatic appeal.
