Six candidates are running in the Democratic primary for governor of New Jersey on June 10, 2025. Those candidates are: Ras Baraka (D), Steve Fulop (D), Josh Gottheimer (D), Mikie Sherrill (D), Sean Spiller (D), and Stephen Sweeney (D). Incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy(D) is term-limited.
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Dan Cassino said the primary is “really wide open for any of the candidates, and that’s really unusual, to have a whole bunch of candidates who have a plausible path forward. It’s likely to lead to higher voter turnout in the primary, because we actually have a meaningful choice.”
In a February episode of On the Ballot, our weekly podcast, Politico’s Matthew Friedman said fiscal issues will play a significant role in the elections: “Property taxes [in New Jersey] have historically been high and a huge issue. We’re going to have a really tough budget this year. Even though revenues are on pace, compared to where they usually are…the inflationary pressures I think are starting to hit a lot of the costs.”
Baraka was first elected mayor of Newark in 2014. He previously served on the Newark City Council and worked as a high school teacher and principal. Baraka’s campaign website said, “By prioritizing economic growth, educational advancement, housing accessibility, and inclusive policies, he seeks to empower every resident to thrive and contribute to the state’s prosperity.”
Fulop was first elected mayor of New Jersey in 2013. He previously served on the Jersey City Council and worked in finance. Fulop also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fulop said, “New Jersey isn’t just where I’m from — it’s the place that shaped who I am. Our state deserves a leader who truly understands the struggles and aspirations of its families, and I’m ready to fight every day to deliver the future they deserve.”
Gottheimer was first elected to represent New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District in 2016. He previously worked as a speechwriter for President Bill Clinton (D) and as a Microsoft strategist. Gottheimer said he is “running as the ‘Lower Taxes, Lower Costs Governor.’ My No. 1 priority is to bring down taxes and make life more affordable.”
Sherrill was first elected to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in 2018. She previously worked as a lawyer in private practice and the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of New Jersey. Sherrill also served in the U.S. Navy. Sherrill said, “Let’s be the state that builds more housing, let’s fix the economy, let’s make life more affordable for hardworking New Jerseyans, from health care to groceries to childcare.”
Spiller has been the president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) since 2021. He previously served as the mayor of Montclair and on the Montclair City Council. Spiller also worked as a teacher. Spiller said he would build off his successes as mayor by “[continuing] investing in public education, [making] New Jersey a more affordable place to live, and [ensuring] that the economy works for the working class.”
Sweeney is a former ironworker who represented District 3 in the New Jersey Senate from 2002 to 2022. He served as Senate president for 12 of those years. Sweeney also served on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Sweeney is running on his experience, saying in a campaign advertisement, “I will always put New Jersey’s kids, working families, and seniors first. You know that’s who I’ll fight for because that’s who I’ve always fought for.”
Leading up to the primary, the county Democratic Parties are holding conventions to decide which candidates to endorse. Politico’s Madison Fernandez wrote, “There are undoubtedly some benefits to having the backing of a county party. Some of the counties provide valuable resources, like on-the-ground organizing. A win can also establish momentum for the candidates.” However, this will be the first gubernatorial election in which county endorsements do not determine a candidate’s placement on the ballot. As of March 7, 2025, Sherrill has won the endorsements of four counties, and Sweeney has won the endorsements of two. For more information on the county endorsement process, click here.
As of March 7, 2025, The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have rated the general election as Lean Democratic. The last Republican governor was Chris Christie, who left office in 2018.