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A recent poll from Rutgers-Eagleton shows Jack Ciattarelli leading the Republican field in the New Jersey governor's race, with 42% support among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Former radio host Bill Spadea follows at 12%, with no other GOP candidate surpassing 5% support. Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and the 2021 GOP gubernatorial nominee, has a significant lead, but approximately one-third of Republican voters remain undecided, leaving room for potential shifts in support.
On the Democratic side, the race is more competitive. U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill leads with 17% support among registered Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents, followed by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop at 12%. Other candidates, including New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney, are closely grouped, with support ranging from 7% to 10%. The poll highlights that many Democratic voters are still undecided, making the race fluid.
The poll, conducted from April 1 to April 10, involved 1,058 adults and has a margin of error of +/- 4.1%. With the primary set for June 10, candidates on both sides face challenges of low name recognition and favorability among voters. As reported by NJBIZ, the low turnout typically seen in New Jersey primaries could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
The general election to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy is scheduled for November 4. As the primary approaches, candidates will need to focus on mobilizing their base and appealing to undecided voters to secure their party's nomination.