The Democratic National Committee is pumping another $1.5 million into the New Jersey governor’s race, raising its total investment to $3 million, the most it has ever spent in the state during an off-year election.
The money will go toward funding a field staff, voter outreach and campaign strategy to boost Rep. Mikie Sherrill. Party leaders say they are working to win back voters who shifted away in recent years. This past November, Kamala Harris won New Jersey by only 6 points—a significant swing toward Republicans for the usually-safe blue state. In 2021, Governor Murphy only beat Ciattarelli by 3.2 points—another swing to the right.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher and we’re leaving nothing to chance to win up and down the ballot in New Jersey,” DNC chair Ken Martin said.
Republicans say the added spending shows Sherrill’s vulnerability. GOP nominee Jack Ciattarelli has gained national support and is endorsed by Donald Trump. The Republican Governors Association is spendign $1 million on an advertisement campaign in favor of Ciattarelli.
Polls show Sherrill with a lead. Both campaigns are bracing for a close race, with the first debate scheduled this week.
The New Jersey governor race—along with Virginia—is being watched as a “test” of political momentum before next year’s midterms. Will the shift to the right hold, or will NJ voters revert back to 2017 numbers?
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.