The New Jersey gubernatorial, also known as the governor’s election, is Nov. 5, 2025. Before that comes the primary election, which will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates running against one another, on June 10. The voter registration deadline is May 20. 

There are currently six Democrats and four Republicans in the race. The Democratic candidates include Steve Sweeney, Sean Spiller, Mikie Sherrill, Josh Gottheimer, Steve Fulop, and Ras Baraka. The Republican candidates are Jon Bramnick, Bill Spadea, Jack Ciattarelli, and Mario Kranjac. 

In the 2021 gubernatorial race, about 20 percent of young people, ages 18 to 29, voted in New Jersey. In the 2020 presidential election, 67 percent of young people voted. There are approximately 24 percent of people in the state between the ages of 18 to 29, according to the Department of Health. 

Some of voters’ top concerns are abortion, immigration, and climate change.

Current Governor Phil Murphy announced earlier this year that the state would stockpile the drug mifepristone, which can be used to have an abortion. Sherrill, Sweeney, and Spiller are all supportive of this decision. 

Mikie Sherrill has been a congresswoman since 2019, served in the Navy for 10 years, and lives in Montclair. 

“And part of the reason that that is so important is we’ve seen these attacks on abortion everywhere, and one of the ways Republicans are trying to limit it is to not allow these drugs to be shipped through the mail, and that’s the only way they go out if they’re not really manufactured in your state,” said Sherrill. 

Steve Sweeney was a state senator from 2002 to 2021 and was elected to be senate president in 2009. His background is in ironwork and he was raised in Pennsauken. 

“We have to do everything in our power to protect a woman’s health, women’s healthcare. And I was very proud that I was one of the prime sponsors to codify a woman’s right to choose, and I was the very first candidate to call for a constitutional amendment to put it in the Constitution,” said Sweeney. 

Sean Spiller is the mayor of Montclair and the president of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). He immigrated to New Jersey as a young boy from Jamaica with his family. 

“We have to protect folks traveling into this state and who are worried about information being shared back so there can be prosecutions, or doctors who are providing the healthcare that women need that are being prosecuted…As governor it would be important to me to protect people’s data and information and standing up for a woman’s right to choose,” said Spiller. 

Immigration has been a polarizing and hot button issue not only throughout the state but throughout the country. Just this month, eight international students got their study visas revoked at Rowan. 

“People are really scared, and that’s why, as governor, I would stand against any infringements on the Constitution. I’ve long been a supporter of comprehensive immigration reform…So really strong border protections at the same time making sure we fix the immigration system. Honestly, that is not what the president is doing. He is not even close,” said Sherrill. 

Sweeney is the only democratic candidate who has spoken out about New Jersey being a “sanctuary” state, which refers to the Immigrant Trust Directive issued in 2018. The Immigrant Trust Directive prohibits local police from stopping, searching, or detaining anyone because of their immigration status or at the request of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

“If people come to this country and they have criminal backgrounds, they need to leave. If you break the law in this country, you need to leave…We need our federal government to find a pathway to citizenship for these people. It’s not fair for someone that’s been working here for 10 years, paying income tax, being a good part of the community…and they have to live in fear right now of someone coming and getting them,” said Sweeney. 

In terms of climate change, South Jersey specifically has seen instances of wildfires, rising sea levels, and off-shore wind debates. Sherrill, Spiller, and Sweeney support investing in clean energy and lowering utility costs for families. 

Sweeney specifically has been a primary sponsor on bills that support offshore wind, solar energy, and zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

As for college students’ place in this upcoming election, Sweeney encourages young people to get involved and have a say. 

“If you want a better future, you have to participate…you’re not always going to win, but you have no chance of winning if you’re sitting on the sidelines,” said Sweeney. 

Sherrill believes in investing in New Jersey and college students so they can have a better future. 

“I think this election is more important to college students than anyone else in the nation, because I think this election is going to set how the future of this country looks,” said Sherrill.

For information on how to register to vote, visit here. For more information on other gubernatorial candidates, visit here.

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