Nearly 1 Million New Jersey Residents Vote Early in Governor Race
In the days leading up to the New Jersey gubernatorial election, approximately 1 million residents have participated in early voting, both in person and by mail. This data, reported by polling firm Rasmussen, highlights a significant voter turnout.
Voter Breakdown by Party
The turnout is largely split among the major political parties. As of Friday’s report:
- Democrats: Nearly 514,500
- Republicans: Roughly 279,000
- Unaffiliated and Independent voters: About 177,000
Competitive Race Insights
Political analyst Micah Rasmussen indicates that Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill currently holds an advantage over Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Despite this, he emphasized the competitiveness of the race.
Rasmussen stated, “Ciattarelli needs a large Republican turnout and support from unaffiliated voters to surpass Sherrill.” He urged campaigns to maintain an aggressive approach leading up to election day.
Candidates’ Perspectives
Ciattarelli, who voted last Friday, expressed his belief that Republican voter turnout is at an all-time high. He aims to attract undecided voters, claiming discontent with current policies under Governor Phil Murphy’s administration.
In contrast, Sherrill has sought to distance herself from Murphy, criticizing his management of energy costs and promising to address the ongoing crisis if elected. “Under his administration, prices have skyrocketed,” she stated.
Support for Candidates
Support for gubernatorial candidates is evidenced by notable endorsements. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently joined Sherrill at a press event for the Gateway Tunnel project. Additionally, former President Barack Obama is expected to campaign for Sherrill in New Jersey.
Conversely, Ciattarelli has garnered support from former President Donald Trump, who has participated in tele-town halls and is engaging with campaign efforts from a distance.
Conclusion
The New Jersey gubernatorial race is intensifying as early voting reaches record numbers. Both candidates are rallying their bases while vying for the crucial support of independent voters. As the election date approaches, voter engagement remains a key focus for both campaigns.
