Trenton, NJ – Mikie Sherrill’s election as governor has positioned New Jersey to maintain its long-term transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles. Her victory over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli secured continued Democratic control of the executive branch.
The results of the election strengthen the Democrat party’s hold on the General Assembly, where they expanded their majority to at least 55 seats.
Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill elected governor as Democrats expand Assembly majority
- New Jersey’s 2035 gas-car sales ban remains on track under ACC II rules
- Environmental groups call the election results a safeguard for the state’s clean-energy plans
Sherrill campaigned on a platform centered on environmental policy, economic development, and continuation of initiatives advanced by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy. Her alignment with Murphy’s clean-energy agenda has placed particular focus on the ban on new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035, a regulation adopted through California’s Advanced Clean Cars II framework.
The ban requires a phased increase in zero-emission vehicle sales, beginning with 35 percent of new light-duty vehicles in 2027 and rising annually until reaching full compliance in 2035. The policy does not restrict ownership or sale of used gas vehicles, but it directs manufacturers and dealers toward electric and zero-emission models.
Sherrill stated in public remarks that the state’s economic and environmental outlook depends on sustained momentum behind clean-energy standards. Her running mate expressed support for expanding charging infrastructure, including investments tied to federal funding streams.
Under Sherrill’s administration, enforcement of the phased requirements will continue through the Department of Environmental Protection. The upcoming years include key benchmarks related to market readiness, supply chain capacity, and statewide charging access.
Democratic gains in the Assembly have created a veto-proof supermajority, surpassing the two-thirds threshold of 54 seats. This shift reduces the likelihood of legislative attempts to stall or repeal the regulations. During the previous session, Democrats held 52 seats, a majority that required cross-party negotiation on major overrides.
Republican leaders campaigned against the ban, citing concerns about costs for consumers and potential strain on the state’s electric grid. With approximately 25 seats, the caucus lacks the numbers to force policy changes.
The Senate maintains a Democratic majority with 25 of 40 seats, reinforcing their political stability around environmental legislation.
Environmental organizations responded to the election by noting that the political landscape is positioned to preserve the 2035 mandate. Advocacy groups described the results as a signal that the state will continue advancing zero-emission goals without interruption.
Questions remain regarding infrastructure needs and grid readiness as electric-vehicle adoption accelerates. Sherrill has indicated that her administration will address these issues through coordination with federal programs and state incentives aimed at expanding charging capacity.
National policy changes could influence long-term implementation, but New Jersey’s adoption of the ACC II standards provides a regulatory path that operates independently of federal emissions rules.
Projections cited by regional analysts suggest that electric vehicles may exceed half of new vehicle sales by 2030 if current trends persist. This pace would place New Jersey in position to meet the 2035 requirement and maintain continuity across administrations.
As Sherrill prepares to take office in January, the state’s clean-transportation policies remain aligned with the trajectory established under her predecessor, supported by legislative majorities committed to the same course.