New Jersey Governor’s Race Tightens With Just Six Days to Go

New Jersey’s gubernatorial race is coming down to the wire, and with only six days remaining until Election Day on Tuesday, November 7, 2025, every vote truly matters.

The race between Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli is shaping up to be one of the closest gubernatorial contests in recent state history. Pollsters report that the two candidates are separated by only a few percentage points, within the margin of error, meaning that voter turnout in the final days could decide who becomes New Jersey’s next Governor.

The Candidates

Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, currently represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, Sherrill has built her campaign around protecting women’s reproductive rights, investing in public education, and addressing the affordability crisis that affects working families across the state.

Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, a former State Assemblyman, is no stranger to the Governor’s race. In 2021, he came within just three percentage points of unseating Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy — an unusually narrow margin in a state known for its strong Democratic lean. Ciattarelli is running again on a platform emphasizing lower taxes, improving small business conditions, and addressing the state’s high cost of living.

With both candidates appealing to moderate and independent voters, the final outcome may hinge on who turns out between now and Election Day.

Early Voting Still Underway

Voters still have time to cast their ballots early — but not much.
In-person early voting runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025, with polling hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Early voting sites use the same ExpressVote XL machines that will be used on Election Day, ensuring a consistent experience whether you vote now or next Tuesday. However, there is NO early voting on Monday, November 3.

Hudson County voters who prefer mail-in ballots should ensure that their ballots are properly filled out, signed, sealed, and either dropped in a secure election drop box, mailed (postmarked by Election Day), or hand-delivered to the county elections office by the deadline. Voters should bring a valid, unexpired New Jersey driver’s license for identification, as other forms, such as a U.S. Passport, have not been accepted by Hudson County election officials in prior elections.

If a voter does not receive their mail-in ballot, they may still vote by Provisional Paper Ballot at their polling place, which will be counted after officials verify that no mail-in ballot was received.

Election Day Details

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, polls across New Jersey will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In Harrison, each of the four wards has its own polling location, conveniently located within the ward so that residents do not have to cross ward boundaries to vote. Your Sample Ballot lists your assigned polling place.

And remember: as long as you are in line by 8:00 p.m., you are entitled to vote. Don’t leave. Your voice counts.

Every Vote Counts, Yours Especially

With such a close race and New Jersey’s future direction on the line, this election could be decided by just a few thousand votes or even fewer.

That’s why residents are urged not only to vote, but to remind and assist their neighbors who are registered voters. Please encourage them to take advantage of early voting or plan their Election Day schedule to ensure they make it to the polls.

As one campaign observer put it: “In an election this close, you’re not just voting — you could be choosing the next Governor.”

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