FORT LEE, N.J. – President Donald Trump’s influence looms large over the gubernatorial race in New Jersey, even though he is not on the ballot. Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli, who has the president’s support, claims Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill is unfairly blaming all issues on Trump. This race is seen as a crucial test of the president’s popularity and a foretaste of the 2026 midterms.
While New Jersey has long been a blue state in presidential elections, Trump improved from a 16-point loss in the state in the 2020 election to a 6-point deficit last November. Ciattarelli, who is running for governor, is not shying away from Trump’s support. He stated last month at an event at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey that