(Joseph Abragao / Fourth Estate)

Sherrill becomes second female governor of N.J. in state history

BY EMMA G. SCHAIBLE, NEWS EDITOR 

AP News has called the New Jersey gubernatorial race for Democratic candidate for Governor Mikie Sherrill with 69% of votes counted. 

She has defeated Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot who served as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District from 2019-2025, will take office on Jan. 20, 2026. 

Sherrill’s campaign has pressed key issues including affordability, housing, healthcare costs and reproductive rights. Her campaign website elaborates that Sherrill’s campaign has been run “on a mission to get things done for New Jersey.”

In her acceptance speech, Sherrill likened her victory to a new beginning

“Tomorrow begins a new day, and at each new day in New Jersey, the sun rises over the statute of liberty, a daily reminder of her promise,” she said.

Ciattarelli ran his campaign on pressing issues including affordability, reforming the government and encouraging fair elections. Ciattarelli’s campaign website explains that he wanted to “Fix New Jersey.”

Both candidates had endorsements from high ranking officials in their party. Sherrill was endorsed on Oct. 17 by former President Barack Obama. Ciattarelli was endorsed on May 12 by current President Donald Trump. 

Both states that held gubernatorial elections today have been called for female Democratic candidates, with Abigail Spanberger winning the Va. gubernatorial election.