If you're asking about the next chance to vote for the person in the big chair at Drumthwacket, you've actually missed the boat on the most recent one. Seriously. Time in Jersey politics moves at a weird pace because we’re one of the only two states—along with Virginia—that does this whole "off-year" election dance.
The when is New Jersey governor election question actually points to November 4, 2025, which just wrapped up.
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If you’re looking for the next next one? You’re going to be waiting until November 6, 2029.
Honestly, the 2025 cycle was a bit of a whirlwind. Phil Murphy, the guy who's been running things since 2018, was officially term-limited. He couldn't run again even if he wanted to, thanks to the state constitution. It basically says you get two consecutive terms and then you've gotta take a hike for at least four years.
What actually happened in the 2025 election?
It was a huge deal. People were bracing for a nail-biter because the 2021 race between Murphy and Jack Ciattarelli was so close it made everyone's heads spin. But 2025 didn't really follow that script.
Mikie Sherrill, who most people knew as the Congresswoman and former Navy pilot from North Jersey, ended up taking the win. She beat out Jack Ciattarelli, who was making his third run for the office. It wasn't particularly close in the end, either. Sherrill won with about 56% of the vote.
She’s set to be sworn in on January 20, 2026. This is a massive shift for the state. We’ve only ever had one female governor before—Christine Todd Whitman—and Sherrill is the first Democratic woman to ever hold the post.
Why the timing of NJ elections is so weird
Most states hold their big elections during Presidential years or midterms. Not us. New Jersey likes to be special. Or difficult. Depending on who you ask.
We hold our gubernatorial elections in the year immediately following a Presidential election. So, 2021, 2025, 2029. This is why people often feel out of the loop. Just when you think you’re done with political ads and mailers after a Presidential cycle, Jersey kicks back into high gear with a primary in June and a general in November.
A look at the 2025 candidates and the drama
The primary in June 2025 was where most of the real action happened. On the Democratic side, it was a crowded house. You had:
- Mikie Sherrill (The winner)
- Ras Baraka (Mayor of Newark)
- Steven Fulop (Mayor of Jersey City)
- Josh Gottheimer (Congressman)
- Steve Sweeney (Former Senate President)
It was a bit of a "clash of the titans" for Jersey Democrats. Sherrill managed to pull ahead by leaning into her background as a prosecutor and veteran, which seemed to resonate with the suburbs.
The Republicans had their own internal battle. Jack Ciattarelli had the most name recognition, but he had to fend off Bill Spadea, the radio host who has a very dedicated following. Jon Bramnick, a state senator who is known for being more of a moderate, also jumped in. Ciattarelli ultimately won the nomination, but the party was pretty split by the time November rolled around.
Misconceptions about the "Next" election
A lot of folks get confused and think there's a governor's race every time there's a big federal election. Nope.
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In 2026, we’ll be voting for members of Congress and one of our U.S. Senators (Cory Booker’s seat isn't up until then), but the Governor’s office will be occupied by Sherrill for a full four-year term.
The transition and what to watch for
Since the 2025 election is over, the focus is now entirely on the transition. Sherrill has already named Dale Caldwell as her Lieutenant Governor. If you haven't heard of him, he was the President of Centenary University.
The swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2026, marks the official start of her term. Usually, this happens at the War Memorial in Trenton, and it’s a whole production.
What you should do now
Even though the big one is over, New Jersey politics never actually stops. Here is how you stay on top of things:
- Check your registration: Even if there isn't a governor's race this year, there are always local elections. Visit the NJ Division of Elections to make sure you're still active.
- Watch the 2026 midterms: While it’s not for Governor, the 2026 cycle will determine who represents Jersey in D.C., which is arguably just as important for your day-to-day life.
- Track the new administration: Keep an eye on the first 100 days of the Sherrill administration starting in late January. This is when the most significant policy shifts usually happen, especially regarding property taxes and transit—the things that actually make people want to scream in this state.
Basically, if you were looking for a date to head to the polls for a new Governor, mark your calendar for June 2029 (for the primary) and November 6, 2029 (for the general). Until then, the seat is filled.