TRENTON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has been elected the 57th governor of New Jersey, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a decisive statewide victory that marks a historic moment in Garden State politics.
Sherrill, a former Navy pilot, federal prosecutor, and mother of four, captured 56.2 percent of the vote, earning 1,792,760 ballots cast in her favor—more than 414,000 votes ahead of Ciattarelli, who finished with 43.2 percent.
Her victory makes Sherrill the first Democratic woman ever elected governor of New Jersey.
Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill elected New Jersey’s 57th governor with 56.2% of vote
- Defeats Republican Jack Ciattarelli by more than 414,000 votes
- First Democratic woman to lead the state in its history
From Navy pilot to New Jersey’s highest office
Sherrill, 52, rose to prominence after winning the 11th Congressional District in 2018, flipping a longtime Republican stronghold in Morris County. During her four terms in Congress, she built a reputation for bipartisanship and pragmatic leadership focused on infrastructure, veterans’ issues, and affordability for working families.
In a statement posted late Tuesday, Sherrill thanked voters for their trust and pledged to lead with integrity and determination. “New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th governor,” she said. “I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve.”
Support from national and state leaders
Prominent Democrats from across the country quickly celebrated Sherrill’s victory. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker praised her long record of public service, recalling their early work together on community safety initiatives in Newark. “I knew we’d have a fierce advocate for our community,” Booker wrote. “Now, New Jersey has a governor who truly puts people first.”
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland called Sherrill’s win “historic,” noting that New Jersey “is so fortunate to have a leader who gets things done and brings people together.”
Rep. Andy Kim, one of Sherrill’s closest political allies, added, “Governor Mikie! I like the sound of that. She stepped up and fought to deliver a vision of affordability and service for New Jersey families.”
Ciattarelli concedes after hard-fought campaign
Ciattarelli, who also ran for governor in 2021, congratulated Sherrill and called for unity following the election. His campaign centered on lowering property taxes and opposing state spending increases but ultimately fell short as turnout surged in suburban and coastal counties favoring Democrats.
A new chapter in New Jersey politics
Sherrill’s victory extends Democratic control of the governor’s office for another four years and signals strong voter support for moderate, results-driven leadership. Her campaign emphasized stabilizing property taxes, expanding child care access, and continuing the state’s clean energy initiatives.
With her inauguration early next year, Sherrill will become the second woman ever to serve as governor of New Jersey and the first Democrat to hold that distinction, marking a milestone moment in the state’s political history.