New Jersey’s primary election on Tuesday is set to be the most competitive and expensive in the state’s recent history, with both parties preparing for what analysts expect to be a close race in November. The election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has drawn significant attention as one of only two gubernatorial races this year.
The Republican primary features Jack Ciattarelli, who nearly unseated Murphy in 2021, facing off against former radio host Bill Spadea. On the Democratic side, six candidates are competing, including Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
