In the lead-up to New Jersey’s governor race, registered voters have noticeably shifted. As of October 1, New Jersey boasts over 6.6 million registered voters. The state Division of Elections reports that the Republican Party has gained a remarkable 163,800 voters in the past four years, marking a significant increase of over 10%. This surge reflects broader trends in voter registration amid an intensifying governor race.
Current Voter Registration Trends in New Jersey
Despite the gains made by Republicans, Democrats maintain a larger voter base. Currently, Democrats account for more than 38% of registered voters, while Republicans hold about 25%. Furthermore, approximately 35% of voters remain unaffiliated with any party.
Statewide Changes
- Republicans have gained voters in 20 out of 21 counties.
- Only Somerset County experienced a slight decline—less than a tenth of a percent in Republican registrations.
- Meanwhile, Democrats have lost over 51,000 voters since 2021.
- Cumberland County reported the most significant decline among Democrats, decreasing by more than 8%.
Overall, there was only a marginal increase of 35,000 new voters statewide since June, indicating a minor shift of about half a percent.
Upcoming Election Information
The governor election is set for November 4, with voter registration closing on October 14. This upcoming election features Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli competing to replace outgoing Governor Phil Murphy.
County Breakdown of Voter Changes
Below is a snapshot of voter registration trends from selected counties in New Jersey:
| County | Democrats | Republicans | Unaffiliated | Democratic Change | Republican Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | 69,129 | 61,430 | 70,811 | -5,349 | +4,184 |
| Bergen | 253,404 | 163,434 | 254,486 | -11,426 | +12,696 |
| Monmouth | 141,921 | 168,426 | 188,297 | -2,210 | +21,493 |
| Camden | 181,154 | 71,023 | 132,054 | -8,569 | +6,464 |
This electoral shift emphasizes the dynamic political landscape in New Jersey, as both parties prepare for significant races. While Republicans gain ground, Democrats still hold a considerable lead in voter registration. The outcome of the upcoming election may reflect these evolving voter trends.
