Blue State REBELLION — Officials Jump Ship

Blue and red boxing gloves facing each other.

New Jersey’s Democratic stronghold is crumbling as Republican Jack Ciattarelli closes within one point of Democrat Mikie Sherrill, while eight local Democrats abandon their party to endorse the GOP candidate who promises to slash taxes and restore common sense.

Story Highlights

Latest poll shows Ciattarelli trailing Sherrill by just one point, with some polls showing a tie
Eight Democratic officials have crossed party lines to endorse the Republican candidate
Trump endorses Ciattarelli as “America First Candidate” while blasting Democrat’s woke agenda
Early voting data shows Republicans closing gap with 35,512 ballots vs Democrats’ 38,039

Razor-Thin Race Defies Blue State Expectations

The October 27 co/efficient poll reveals a stunning one-point lead for Democrat Mikie Sherrill over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race. This narrow margin represents a dramatic shift in a state Democrats have long considered safely blue. An earlier Emerson College poll from September showed the candidates tied, while the RealClearPolitics average gives Sherrill only a 3.8-point advantage. The tight race demonstrates growing conservative momentum in traditionally liberal territory.

Democratic Officials Abandon Ship for GOP Candidate

Ciattarelli has secured endorsements from at least eight Democratic officials who recognize the failures of their own party’s policies. New Era Democrats President Celia Iervasi praised Ciattarelli as the leader needed to address New Jersey’s status as one of America’s highest-taxed states. Notable Democratic endorsers include North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, Dover Mayor Jim Dodd, and former Hudson County Democratic Organization Chair Anthony Vainieri. Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto went further, leaving the Democratic Party entirely to join the GOP while endorsing Ciattarelli.

New Statewide NJ Poll:

Governor:
Sherrill (D): 48%
Ciattarelli (R): 47%
Kaplan (L): 1%
Kuniansky (SWP): 0%
Undecided: 5%

Generic Assembly:
Democrat: 49%
Republican: 45%
Undecided: 6%

Oct 23–27, 2025 | 995 LVs | MoE ±3.27% | Not sponsored by any candidate or candidate’s…

— co/efficient (@coefficientpoll) October 27, 2025

Trump Highlights Democrat’s Radical Agenda

President Trump endorsed Ciattarelli in May as “a terrific America First Candidate” and recently exposed Sherrill’s dangerous leftist positions. Trump warned voters about Sherrill’s support for transgender ideology, men competing in women’s sports, high crime policies, and expensive energy prices that burden working families. The President contrasted these failed policies with Republican promises of massive energy cost reductions, large-scale tax cuts, and basic common sense governance that puts Americans first.

Early Voting Shows Competitive Ground Game

Early voting data reveals Republicans are mobilizing effectively, with 35,512 GOP ballots returned compared to 38,039 Democratic ballots out of 90,500 total submissions. The relatively close early voting numbers suggest strong Republican enthusiasm that could overcome traditional Democratic advantages on election day. With 16,895 ballots from unaffiliated voters who historically favor conservative candidates when frustrated with incumbent party performance, Ciattarelli has multiple paths to victory in this critical race.