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 collecting what we can to make sure neither you nor we are lost on Election Day when it comes to who’s on the ballot. Let’s get started!”
NJ Election Dates
🗳️ Primary Election (June 10, 2025)
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Each party (Democratic & Republican) holds a primary to choose their official nominee.
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Only registered party members (or unaffiliated voters who declare a party at the polls) can vote in this.
🥇 General Election (November 4, 2025)
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The winners of the primaries face off in the general election.
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Whoever wins the general election becomes the next Governor of New Jersey.
🏛️ Swearing-In
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The new governor takes office on January 20, 2026, which is the official inauguration date for New Jersey governors.
On the Ballot
✔️ Governor
Both the Democratic and Republican parties are holding primaries to nominate their candidates for governor. The winners will advance to the general election on November 4, 2025.
✔️ State Legislature
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General Assembly: All 80 seats in the New Jersey General Assembly are up for election.
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State Senate: There are no regularly scheduled State Senate elections in 2025. However, special elections may occur if vacancies arise.
✔️ Local Ballot Initiatives
Local ballot measures, such as school funding proposals, may appear on the primary ballot in certain municipalities. For example, in January 2025, Princeton voters considered school bond measures. To find out what’s on your local ballot, check with your county clerk or local election office
NJ Key Issues
The 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 remain among the highest in the nation, and home prices continue to rise—but efforts like affordable housing initiatives and expanded renter protections are gaining ground. What’s next to ease the burden and support both homeowners and renters?
School Funding
New Jersey is consistently ranked among the top in public education nationwide, yet challenges remain in achieving funding equity across districts. The next governor will need to build on recent progress in teacher support and school upgrades while managing funding concerns.
Transit & Infrastructure
Projects like the Gateway Tunnel and investments in electric buses show promise, but aging infrastructure still affects daily life. Will the next administration push forward with bold improvements to NJ Transit, roads, and bridges or hold?
Healthcare & Senior Care
New Jersey expanded Medicaid and improved access to mental health care, but affordability remains a top concern. Is there a clear plan to reduce costs, especially for aging residents and caregivers navigating a strained system?
Immigration & State Policies
New Jersey has taken steps to support its immigrant population—offering driver’s licenses regardless of status and expanding access to public services. How will future leaders continue to strengthen inclusive policies, or not depending on your stance?
Jobs & Business Growth
Film, tech, healthcare, and green industries are growing in the Garden State, and small business programs are helping more entrepreneurs get started. How will candidates keep the momentum going and ensure opportunities reach every community.
Climate & The Environment
From offshore wind to urban greening, New Jersey is making moves on sustainability—but climate resilience is a long game. What bold steps will candidates take to protect our future from flooding, pollution, and rising temperatures?
🟦 Democratic Candidates
Ras Baraka
Mayor of Newark since 2014
Baraka is known for his progressive policies and community-focused leadership. His campaign emphasizes social justice and equitable development.
Steven Fulop
Mayor of Jersey City since 2013
Fulop has focused on urban revitalization and economic growth. He positions himself as a reform-minded executive.
Josh Gottheimer
U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 5th congressional district
Gottheimer is a centrist Democrat emphasizing affordability and tax relief.
Mikie Sherrill
U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th congressional district and a former Navy pilot
Sherrill brings a national security background to her campaign.
Sean Spiller
Former Mayor of Montclair and president of the New Jersey Education Association,
Spiller advocates for education reform and labor rights.
Stephen Sweeney
Former Mayor of Montclair and president of the New Jersey Education Association
Sweeney is a labor leader with a focus on infrastructure and fiscal responsibility.
🟥 Republican Candidates
Justin Barbera
A contractor from Burlington County
Barbera previously ran for Congress and is now seeking the governorship with a focus on small business advocacy.
Jon Bramnick
State Senator and former Assembly Minority Leader,
Bramnick is a moderate Republican emphasizing bipartisan cooperation and civility in politics.
Jack Ciattarelli
Former state assemblyman and 2021 Republican gubernatorial nominee
Ciattarelli is running again with a platform centered on tax reform and economic growth.
Mario Kranjac
Former mayor of Englewood Cliffs
Kranjac is running on a platform of fiscal conservatism and local government reform.
Bill Spadea
Radio host and conservative commentator
Spadea’s campaign focuses on anti-abortion and pro-Second Amendment policies, aligning closely with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
