In the first general election poll released of the 2025 New Jersey governor's race to replace term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) led with the highest name recognition of any Democratic candidate and the strongest favorability rating of any candidate—Democrat or Republican. Sherrill was recognized by 70% of likely general election voters, with 41% viewing her favorably and 29% unfavorably, yielding a +12 net favorability rating. She was followed by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) who was viewed favorably by 36% and unfavorably by 23%, with 59% name recognition. The poll can be found here.

The likely GOP nominee, Jack Ciattarelli—who previously ran for governor in 2021 and lost to Murphy—had the highest unfavorable rating of any candidate. While 75% of voters recognized him, 36% viewed him unfavorably, and only 40% viewed him favorably (+4 net rating). Sherrill (+12) and Gottheimer (+13) significantly outpaced Ciattarelli (+4) in net favorability, despite tens of millions of dollars spent on Ciattarelli’s behalf across 2021 and 2025 campaigns. A major liability for Ciattarelli heading into the general election is his close alignment with President Trump, a stance that will cost him support in November.  Although President Trump is universally known (98% name ID), only 44% New Jersey voters view him favorably, while 53% view him unfavorably, a net (-9) negative favorability rating. 

“Democrats are ready to take the fight to Donald Trump’s MAGA stooge Jack Ciattarelli this November,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. “We know this will be a hard fought race but voters in the Garden State are ready to embrace a forward looking agenda that puts the future of our children first, and rejects the failed policies of the Trump administration that are hurting middle class families.”

The poll of 576 likely November general election voters was conducted by SurveyUSA and measured favorability ratings for the six Democratic candidates, the leading Republican candidate, and President Trump. The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on June 10th.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop had the lowest name recognition among the field, with only 58% of voters familiar with him, and the lowest favorability rating: 28% viewed him favorably and 29% unfavorably (-1 net rating). Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was better recognized (65% were familiar with him), with a 34% favorable and 31% unfavorable rating (+3 net).  His favorability trailed that of Sherrill, Gottheimer, and even Ciattarelli. Former State Senate President Steve Sweeney was recognized by 66% likely voters, with 32% viewing him favorably and 34% unfavorably. Sean Spiller, President of the New Jersey Education Association, was recognized by 65% of voters, with 34% viewing him favorably and 31% unfavorably, despite reports that the teachers’ union has spent over $35 million in dues to boost his campaign.

RATINGS RANKED BY HIGHEST FAVORABLES

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