New Jersey Primary Election Polls Now Open: See Governor Candidates, Other Races, Where to Vote

New Jersey’s primary elections open today with crucial governor races for both parties that may reflect voters’ response to Trump’s policies. The Democratic field features six candidates vying for an open seat, while Trump-endorsed Ciattarelli leads the Republican challenge. Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with early voting already underway. Key local issues will likely mingle with national political dynamics as parties prepare.

Polling stations across New Jersey opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday, giving voters the opportunity to weigh in on the competitive Democratic and Republican primaries for governor. As only two states, New Jersey and Virginia, are holding gubernatorial contests this year, the outcome is being closely monitored. The primary could signal how the electorate is responding to the policies of President Donald Trump as well as assess the direction Democratic leaders wish to take in challenging him.

With two-term Democratic Governor Phil Murphy term-limited, the race to fill the vacant seat is particularly notable. Murphy, who in 2021 made history as the first Democrat in over 40 years to receive reelection, has not publicly endorsed a successor—adding a layer of intrigue to the Democratic primary. The Democratic side features a crowded field of six seasoned candidates, including U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, along with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Meanwhile, Republicans hope to capitalize on the opportunity in a state where the political landscape remains somewhat purple during election years.

Polls will remain open until 8 p.m., but it’s important to remember that this is not the only day for voting; early in-person ballots were cast between June 3-8 and mail-in ballots began going out as early as April. The key issues shaping the election include high property taxes and rising costs of living in New Jersey, though national political dynamics are also expected to play a significant role. Trump’s influence is palpable; he has endorsed former state lawmaker Jack Ciattarelli, who faces off against several opponents in the Republican primary.

“Because these are the first major elections since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there’s a tremendous amount at stake simply through public perception,” pointed out Ben Dworkin, director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship. New Jersey will be carefully watching how each party frames its messages against the backdrop of a tumultuous national landscape.

On the Democratic side, Gottheimer reportedly leads in campaign contributions with approximately $9.1 million raised, closely followed by Sherrill and Fulop, both hovering around $8.9 million. Sherrill, however, seems to have a slight polling advantage in many recent surveys. Throughout the campaign, immigration has remained a hot topic, especially after Baraka’s recent arrest at a protest against a new immigration detention center. In the Republican primary, Ciattarelli makes another run for the state’s top office after a near-success against Murphy two years ago.

Aside from Ciattarelli, other candidates like state Senator Jon Bramnick, and former mayor Mario Kranjac are vying for the nomination. Trump’s endorsement has propelled Ciattarelli, with the former president even campaigning for him in a virtual rally earlier this week. Interestingly, Bramnick stands as the lone critic of Trump among the Republican candidates. Most others favor policies echoing Trump’s administration, particularly concerning immigration and environmental regulations.

Voter turnout in populous counties such as Bergen and Essex will play a significant role in the outcomes. In the prior Democratic primary, Essex was pivotal; however, it did not hold the same weight in Republican contests. The 80 seats in the state General Assembly are also at stake this year, though only 25 districts face competitive races. Although the state Senate seats will not be contested until 2027, some areas will hold a special election.

Both parties are bracing to address voter frustrations, adjusting strategies to build their respective campaigns for the upcoming general election. Despite Democrats enjoying a significant edge in overall registered voters, the GOP’s recent uptick in registrations signals a potential shift in the political climate. So, as the hours of polling tick away, many await to see if voting outcomes will echo the changing sentiments across New Jersey.

The New Jersey primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, and those registered will find polling hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. If a voter is still in line when polls close, they will be allowed to cast their vote. Only registered party members can partake in their party’s primary, with independents afforded the choice to vote in either. Voting locations are assigned by county and can be checked online through the New Jersey Division of Elections. Election results follow closely after polls close, and voters can track their mail-in ballots as well.

As New Jersey voters head to the polls, the primaries for governor represent critical choices for both parties. The political landscape could shift depending on key issues like property taxes and national influences from Trump. With a competitive Democratic field and a Trump-backed Republican candidate, the results could lead to significant implications heading into the general election. Voter turnout and sentiment in long-standing Democratic strongholds will be key, as all eyes are on the outcome.

Original Source: www.nbcnewyork.com