New Jersey 2025 Election Central
Your Lost in Jersey Guide to the Garden State’s Most Important Election Year
The 2025 New Jersey election will shape the future of our state. From the governor’s race to critical state legislature seats and local ballot initiatives, every vote counts.
This year on Lost in Jersey, we’re bringing you in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and insights into the key issues that matter most to NJ residents. Let’s get started!
Election Snapshot
Election Day
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Key Races
✔️ Governor
✔️ State Legislature (Senate & Assembly)
✔️ Local Ballot Initiatives
Key Issues in the 2025 Election
he 2025 race for governor is shaping up to be all about the everyday challenges New Jerseyans face. Here are the biggest issues driving the election:
Property Taxes & Housing Costs
New Jersey’s property taxes are among the highest in the country, and home prices keep climbing. Voters want real solutions to make buying and renting more affordable.
School Funding
Education is always a hot topic. How will the next governor ensure fair funding, support teachers, and address differences between school districts?
Transit & Infrastructure
With crumbling roads, aging bridges, and constant NJ Transit struggles, infrastructure improvements are a must. Will we finally see real investment in transportation?
Healthcare & Senior Care
Rising healthcare costs and limited options for seniors are big concerns. How will candidates tackle access and affordability?
Immigration & State Policies
New Jersey has a large immigrant community, and policies around protections, driver’s licenses, and public assistance are at the center of the debate.
Jobs & Business Growth
How will the state attract new businesses, create jobs, and support small business owners in a tough economy?
Climate & The Environment
From flooding to pollution, environmental issues are impossible to ignore. What’s the plan for sustainability and clean energy?
Voters are looking for real answers—how will the candidates deliver?

Mikie Sherrill – 📝 U.S. Congresswoman (NJ-11), former Navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor. 📌 Focus: Education, healthcare, infrastructure, tax reform.

Josh Gottheimer 📝 U.S. Congressman (NJ-5), co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. 📌 Focus: Tax cuts, economic growth, bipartisanship.

Steve Fulop 📝 Mayor of Jersey City, known for urban revitalization efforts. 📌 Focus: Infrastructure, transit, economic development.

Steve Sweeney 📝 Former State Senate President, labor leader. 📌 Focus: Public pensions, infrastructure, job creation.

📝 President of NJEA, advocate for education policies and teachers. 📌 Focus: Public school funding, education reform.

Ras Baraka 📝 Mayor of Newark, progressive leader with a focus on urban development. 📌 Focus: Affordable housing, economic justice, racial equity.

Jon Bramnick 📝 State Senator, moderate Republican voice. 📌 Focus: Bipartisan governance, economic stability.

Jack Ciattarelli 📝 Former State Assemblyman, 2021 GOP gubernatorial nominee. 📌 Focus: Lowering property taxes, economic policies.

Ed Durr 📝 Former State Senator, known for his grassroots campaign. 📌 Focus: Conservative policies, lower taxes.

Bill Spadea 📝 Radio host, conservative activist. 📌 Focus: Anti-tax policies, government reform.
As the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race progresses, candidates from both major parties have outlined their key priorities:
Democratic Candidates:
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill: Emphasizes addressing affordability issues in the state.
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka: Criticizes federal immigration policies and advocates for protecting immigrant communities.
- Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop: Participated in discussions focusing on public school funding and public employee pensions.
- Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller: Highlights the need to make the state more affordable.
- Former State Senate President Steve Sweeney: Engages in debates addressing key issues such as public school funding and public employee pensions.
Republican Candidates:
- State Sen. Jon Bramnick: Advocates for broadening the party’s appeal to win the governorship and expresses skepticism about former President Donald Trump.
- Former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli: Criticizes fellow candidates and emphasizes his experience from previous gubernatorial runs.
- Former State Sen. Ed Durr: Expresses dissatisfaction with the political establishment and chooses not to participate in county party conventions.
- Radio Host Bill Spadea: Engages in debates focusing on opposition to current Democratic policies and emphasizes conservative values.