New Jersey is seeing a strong start to early voting, with over 400,000 mail-in ballots already returned, signaling excitement ahead of the gubernatorial election.

New Jersey voters will decide a competitive race for governor in a contest Tuesday that will be viewed through the prism of national politics regardless of who wins. Also on the ballot are an open seat race for Jersey City mayor that features a former governor and legislative races across the state for the heavily Democratic state General Assembly.

New Jersey Republicans notched a more competitive in-person voting turnout so far relative to 2021, but are still lagging behind overall in their early vote position compared to four years ago,

Sherrill holds a one point advantage over Ciattarelli in the latest poll from Emerson College; 3% of likely voters remain undecided.

Early voting data suggests that Democratic candidates for governor in New Jersey and Virginia are heading into the final weekend in a slightly stronger position than Kamala Harris was at the same time last year.

Despite the blustering winds, overcast sky, and leaves leaping into people’s faces, energy outside the Bridgewater Municipal Court in New Jersey was high as supporters waited eagerly for Republican Jack Ciattarelli to arrive on Friday ahead of the state’s competitive gubernatorial election.

An off-year governor’s race will test the durability of the gains President Trump made in 2024, when the state’s majority-Hispanic townships all swung in his direction.