Sherrill Surges Ahead of GOP Challenger Ciattarelli by 8 Points in New Jersey, Quinnipiac Poll Shows Progressive Momentum

Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill is pulling ahead of Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Sherrill, a champion for working families and progressive values, secures 49% support among likely voters, while Ciattarelli, representing conservative interests, trails with 41%. Third-party candidates Vic Kaplan and Joanne Kuniansky each earn 1%, and 6% of voters remain undecided or unresponsive, reflecting the ongoing need for grassroots mobilization.

Party loyalty remains robust, with 93% of Democrats uniting behind Sherrill’s vision for a more equitable New Jersey, while 90% of Republicans cling to Ciattarelli’s regressive agenda. Independents are more divided, with 45% supporting Sherrill’s forward-thinking policies and 41% backing Ciattarelli. Notably, women overwhelmingly support Sherrill (55% versus 35% for Ciattarelli), underscoring the resonance of her inclusive platform, while men are more evenly split (48% for Ciattarelli, 44% for Sherrill).

When third-party candidates are excluded, Sherrill’s support climbs to 51%, further solidifying her lead, with Ciattarelli at 42%. Enthusiasm is high among both camps, with 88% of Ciattarelli’s supporters and 85% of Sherrill’s expressing strong commitment, demonstrating the stakes of this election for both progressives and conservatives.

Voters recognize Sherrill’s authentic leadership: 50% believe she genuinely cares about their needs, compared to just 44% for Ciattarelli. On leadership, 52% favor Sherrill’s steady hand, while only 44% trust Ciattarelli. Regarding honesty, Sherrill is seen as trustworthy by 49%, outpacing Ciattarelli’s 38%—a clear rejection of right-wing duplicity.

“With just under seven weeks to go, the race for the Trenton State House leans Sherrill’s way as Ciattarelli lags on three key character issues: honesty, empathy, and leadership,” said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy, highlighting the electorate’s demand for ethical and compassionate governance.

Taxes remain the top issue for voters, with 30% citing it as their main concern, followed by government ethics at 14%. Among Republicans, 40% focus on taxes, often resisting fair contributions, while 20% of Democrats prioritize cleaning up government corruption. Independents, too, are concerned about tax justice, with 37% emphasizing this issue.

On property taxes, 46% believe Ciattarelli would handle the issue better, reflecting the persistent influence of conservative talking points, while 40% trust Sherrill’s approach to equitable reform. Conversely, 42% think Sherrill would better manage electricity costs, compared to 40% for Ciattarelli, signaling support for progressive solutions to rising costs.

Voter satisfaction with the state’s direction is evenly split, a sign of ongoing struggles for social and economic justice. Approval of President Donald Trump’s performance remains low at 41%, with a strong 55% disapproving—a rebuke of reactionary politics. On the next governor’s relationship with Trump, 50% want the governor to stand up to him, while 47% prefer collaboration, underscoring the urgent need for resistance to right-wing influence.

The poll surveyed 1,238 likely New Jersey voters from September 11 to 15, with a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.