TRENTON, NJ – In a major political shift for New Jersey, Democrats are on track to capture a commanding supermajority in the State Assembly following the November 4 election, tightening their control over Trenton and further marginalizing Republican influence.
Preliminary results show Democrats winning 57 of the Assembly’s 80 seats, allowing them to override gubernatorial vetoes without Republican support. If confirmed, this would mark the party’s largest lower-house majority in more than 50 years, expanding on their pre-election total of 52 seats.
Key Points
- Democrats projected to win 57 of 80 Assembly seats, gaining a veto-proof supermajority
- Party flips five Republican-held districts statewide
- GOP faces historic losses amid changing voter dynamics across New Jersey
Democrats expand power with five-seat gain
The results indicate a net gain of five Assembly seats—two in South Jersey and three in the north—reflecting broad Democratic momentum in a state that has leaned blue in recent cycles. Republicans, who previously held 28 seats, are projected to drop to 23, one of their weakest showings in decades.
Key districts flip blue in statewide wave
Notable Democratic pickups include District 2 in Atlantic County, where the party captured one of two contested seats; District 3 in South Jersey, where both Assembly seats changed hands; District 8 in Burlington County; District 21 in the north-central region; and Districts 25 and 30, which span Morris, Somerset, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. These victories highlight Democratic inroads in areas long considered reliably Republican.
Broader Democratic sweep reshapes state politics
The Assembly gains came alongside other statewide Democratic wins, including Governor Mikie Sherrill’s decisive victory over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. Analysts cite the end of the state’s controversial “county line” ballot system as a key factor in opening competitive primaries and boosting Democratic challengers in down-ballot races.
GOP strongholds show signs of erosion
Even in Republican-leaning Ocean County, Democrats posted stronger-than-expected results. In Legislative District 30, Democratic Assemblyman Avi Schnall held his seat despite the district’s conservative lean, aided by robust voter turnout in Lakewood.
In nearby Brick Township, Democratic Mayor Lisa Crate secured re-election by just 261 votes over Republican Madeline Iannarone—a narrow win but a symbolic one for Democrats in a traditionally red community.
Republicans face diminished role in Trenton
With Democrats now controlling the Assembly, Senate, and governor’s office, the party holds unified authority over state policy. While three Assembly races remain too close to call, Democrats could expand their margin even further once final tallies are certified.
For Republicans, the results are a grime reminder of a steep uphill and possibily insurmountable climb in a state that continues to trend blue—signaling a potential long-term realignment in New Jersey’s political landscape.