The race for New Jersey’s governorship is officially set! On June 10th, the Garden State held its primary elections, resulting in decisive victories for both the Democratic and Republican candidates.

On the Republican side, former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli emerged as the clear frontrunner, securing a commanding lead with 66.3% of the vote as of 28% counted. The Associated Press declared Ciattarelli the winner at 8:17 p.m. ET, solidifying his place in the upcoming general election.

The Democratic primary proved a bit more closely watched, with Representative Mikie Sherrill ultimately securing the nomination at 8:39 p.m. ET. Her victory sets the stage for a fascinating showdown in November.

This gubernatorial race holds particular significance, taking place in an ‘off-cycle’ election—meaning it’s not aligned with the presidential or congressional election cycles. The current Governor, Phil Murphy, is term-limited after narrowly defeating Ciattarelli in the 2021 election. This near-miss has undoubtedly fueled Republican optimism about their chances in this year’s contest.

With Sherrill and Ciattarelli as their respective nominees, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle for the governorship of New Jersey. Stay tuned for updates as the campaign progresses!