The Democratic National Committee (DNC) faces growing concerns about its ability to maintain its dominance in New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial election, with DNC co-chair Shasti Conrad warning that insufficient outreach to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters poses a significant risk. New Jersey, historically a Democratic stronghold, is now seeing increased Republican mobilization, particularly among AAPI communities, which has prompted the DNC to call for a renewed focus on this demographic.
Conrad, who is also the chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, pointed to the 2024 election results as a wake-up call. While Democrats retained the state’s governor’s office, the vote share among AAPI voters showed a decline in support for Democratic candidates. This trend has raised alarms within the party, as AAPI voters are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing demographics in the nation. Conrad reiterated that the DNC’s failure to invest adequately in engagement with this community could have dire consequences for the state’s future.
The AAPI voter base in New Jersey, numbering over one million residents in a state of about nine million, plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 2025 election. With only a few states holding gubernatorial elections in 2025, including New Jersey and Virginia, the state’s election will be a key battleground. The current governor, who is also the sitting vice president, faces a tough race against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who has made inroads with AAPI voters and is seen as a credible threat.
Conrad also noted that the Republican Party has been more aggressive in its outreach to AAPI voters, particularly in recent years, and has successfully engaged with communities through cultural events, businesses, and religious institutions. She acknowledged that Republican candidates have been more willing to run with Asian American candidates, which has increased their appeal to this community. This contrast highlights a strategic gap for Democrats, who need to adopt a more targeted and culturally conscious approach to secure AAPI support.
The DNC leader emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse nature of the AAPI community, which spans numerous cultural backgrounds and has distinct political concerns. Issues such as the economy, immigration, and affordability are central to their voting priorities, with many citing concerns around H-1B visas and the impact of tariffs. The DNC has acknowledged that there is still work to be done in translating these priorities into effective outreach and campaign strategies, despite recent efforts to increase engagement with AAPI voters through events and direct outreach.
Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, has been actively working to strengthen ties with AAPI communities, including participating in cultural festivals and engaging in multilingual outreach. However, the DNC is still concerned about the level of investment required to ensure the AAPI community is fully integrated into the broader Democratic coalition. Conrad’s warning underscores the urgency of addressing this gap, as the outcome of this race could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future in key swing states.
As both parties prepare for the November 4 election, the focus on AAPI outreach is expected to intensify, with both campaigns likely to ramp up their efforts to secure this influential voting bloc. The race in New Jersey serves as a microcosm of the broader electoral trends shaping the nation, with AAPI voters playing an increasingly pivotal role in the political landscape.