Jack Ciattarelli speaks to supporters in Holmdel

Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill will face off in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race this November. Polling has shown Sherrill with a slim lead, while Ciattarelli has gained momentum tied to President Donald Trump’s campaign. A SurveyUSA poll reported a wide gap, with Sherrill at 51% and Ciattarelli at 38%. The Ciattarelli campaign stated, "Make no mistake that this is a 'CHANGE' election, and Ciattarelli is the CHANGE candidate."

Rep. Mikie Sherrill at editorial board meeting

An internal Ciattarelli campaign poll showed a closer race, with Sherrill leading at 45% support compared to Ciattarelli’s 42%.

Jack Ciattarelli addresses supporters in Holmdel

The campaign added, "A majority of New Jersey voters (54 percent) believe that the state is heading in the wrong direction, while only 33 percent believe things in New Jersey are going in the right direction."

Jack Ciattarelli greets supporters in Holmdel

The campaign stated, "Notably, Ciattarelli leads Sherrill by a whopping 72 percent to 14 percent margin among those wrong-track voters, and an even stronger 87 percent to 6 percent among voters who want a governor who will 'shake up Trenton.'"

Mikie Sherrill discusses affordable housing

Sherrill Campaign Manager Alex Ball previously said, "New Jersey saw in the debate why Mikie Sherrill continues to lead in every poll: her lifelong commitment to service, strong record getting big things done and her ability to beat Trump Republicans at every turn. Republicans are afraid to go up against Mikie in November because she knows how to win and then deliver for New Jerseyans."

Virginia E. Haines takes oath with Ciattarelli

Both candidates hold similar favorability among New Jersey voters—Sherrill at 41% and Ciattarelli at 40%. However, 30% of respondents are unfamiliar with Sherrill.

Mikie Sherrill celebrates Democratic primary win

54% of NJ voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction. Among these voters, Ciattarelli leads decisively with 72% support.

Mikie Sherrill gives speech after primary victory

Republicans have not won the New Jersey governorship in over a decade. Analysts noted that while Sherrill is well-known in her district, she lacks statewide recognition.

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.