Although the next New Jersey primary election is almost a year away, the 2025 gubernatorial race is well underway — with a field that grows more crowded by the week.
The primary, scheduled for June 2025, will not feature any incumbents as Gov. Phil Murphy is term-limited and cannot run again, but the field is full of big-name candidates hoping to secure their party’s nomination.
Some have held positions in Trenton, while others have administered cities and towns across the state. With so much time until the filing deadline, there’s no way to know what the field will look like when ballots are printed next year.
Who are the Democrats running for governor of NJ?
There are three candidates officially running for the nomination on the Democratic side, with at least two more expected by the end of the year.
Steven Fulop
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has been a declared candidate for more than a year. He spent months outlining proposals and plans on topics ranging from the state’s transportation infrastructure to affordable housing and laid out his policy of transparency in government.
He has won support from several current and former elected officials as well as a handful of unions, but his anti-establishment strategy has left some party leaders less than enthusiastic.
Steve Sweeney
Former State Senate President Steve Sweeney launched his campaign late last year and quickly racked up donations and endorsements, including support from his longtime friend and recently indicted South Jersey power broker George Norcross.
Sweeney — like Fulop — was ready to run in 2017, but ultimately chose not to run and ended up supporting Murphy.
Ras Baraka
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has led the state’s largest city since 2014 and served as a council member before that. Before being elected, Baraka was still a public servant, working as a public school teacher and later an administrator.
Sean Spiller
Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller is the most recent candidate to enter the race. Mayor for just four years, he is opting out of the re-election campaign in favor of seeking higher office. Spiller already has the support of one of the state’s most powerful unions, the New Jersey Education Association. He is also the president of the union.
During a deposition in a lawsuit brought by a former employee against Montclair, Spiller invoked his Fifth Amendment right hundreds of times, refusing to answer any questions.
What about Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer?
Although they are not officially candidates, rumors persist that Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-Montclair, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-Wyckoff, are considering running for the state’s highest office.
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Who are the Republicans running for governor of NJ?
The field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor of NJ is more crowded.
Jack Ciattarelli
Former Rep. Jack Ciattarelli has all but declared his candidacy after nearly unseating Murphy in a tighter-than-expected race in 2021. He made it official earlier this year and is already campaigning in full force, attacking his opponents.
Jon Bramnick
State Senator Jon Bramnick was the first to officially enter the race on the Republican side. An ardent Never Trumper, Bramnick has racked up numerous endorsements and campaigns on the platform of party unity.
Ed Durr
Former state senator Ed Durr is best known for unseating Sweeney in 2021, but after just one term he lost his bid for re-election. He announced his candidacy for the nomination earlier this year, but hasn’t received much attention in terms of endorsements until now.
Bill Spadea
Conservative radio host Bill Spadea is the latest candidate to enter the race on the Republican side. He was called “fantastic” by former President Donald Trump at a recent rally in Wildwood.
The decision by 101.5 and Townsquare Media to keep it on the air caused some concern regarding donations and campaign contributions. Lawyers for Bramnick and Ciattarelli claim their program gives them an unfair advantage and the state Election Law Enforcement Commission is considering the matter.
And Mário Kranjac?
Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac is also considering a run. Kranjac served two terms as mayor of the county town of Bergen. He did not run for a third party, having previously cited his belief in term limits.
During his tenure, the city engaged in a costly affordable housing lawsuit and gained national attention for charging a teenager at a Black Lives Matter protest. He later rescinded the project.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here’s Who’s Running for Governor of New Jersey in 2025
