A new poll conducted by StimSight Research for InsiderNJ indicates that Democrat Mikie Sherrill is leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by six points in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, with three months remaining until the November election. According to the StimSight Research Poll for InsiderNJ, released Monday, Sherrill has 48% support compared to Ciattarelli’s 42%. The poll, conducted from July 18 to July 24, highlights the increasing importance of affordability and taxes as the top issues for New Jersey voters.
With three months to go before the general election, the race is seen as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms, with Republicans currently holding a narrow majority in Congress. New Jersey voters are particularly concerned about their financial situation, with affordability and taxes emerging as the top priorities. The survey found that 53% of respondents identified affordability as their main concern, while 43% highlighted taxes as the most pressing issue.
The race is also considered a significant reflection of the broader political climate under President Donald Trump’s second term. While Sherrill and former Governor Phil Murphy both received near-identical job approval ratings from New Jersey voters, at 44% and 45% respectively, the question of who is to blame for the state’s challenges remains a divisive issue. Opinions are split, with 37% blaming state leadership in Trenton, 27% citing the federal government in Washington, and 34% holding both parties responsible.
This election is not just a local affair, but a national one. The outcome could provide insight into the political dynamics that will shape the 2026 midterm elections. The poll also reveals how voters are looking for candidates who can address their economic concerns without engaging in partisan attacks. Patrick Murray, of StimSight Research, noted that the poll suggests voters are seeking a candidate they can trust to tackle their financial worries rather than someone focused on attacking the other party’s leadership.
The race is further complicated by the political climate surrounding former President Donald Trump and the ongoing influence of his policies and rhetoric. The poll found that only 36% of respondents support Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill,’ while 51% believe it would hurt New Jersey families. The race is also marked by the influence of the Trump administration’s policies, which have significantly impacted the political landscape in the country.
Ultimately, the New Jersey gubernatorial race is not only a contest for the governor’s office but also a barometer for the political future of the United States. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the race is expected to be a test of which candidate can best address the economic and political challenges facing the state and the nation.