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New Jersey

Governor of New Jersey

Election day · November 6, 2029

Statewide race. Each issue below lists every candidate's stance, what they have said in their own words, and the policies they say they want to implement — with sources.

Head to head

Leading Republican

Jack Ciattarelli

Republican · Candidate for Governor of New Jersey · Declared Candidate

Jack Ciattarelli is a businessman and former New Jersey State Assemblyman running for Governor in 2025.

Leading Democrat

Phil Murphy

Democratic · Governor of New Jersey · Incumbent

Phil Murphy is the 56th Governor of New Jersey, serving in office since January 2018.

The issues

Abortion

Jack Ciattarelli

Opposes

Ciattarelli supports restrictions on late-term abortions while supporting exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.

Policies they want to implement

  • Parental notification for minors
  • Ban on late-term abortion procedures

Phil Murphy

Supports

Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act to protect abortion access in state law.

In their words

  • Reproductive rights are fundamental human rights.

Policies they want to implement

  • Codifying abortion access in state law
  • Expanding insurance coverage for reproductive healthcare

Immigration

Jack Ciattarelli

Opposes

Ciattarelli opposes sanctuary state policies and supports cooperation between local law enforcement and federal officials.

Policies they want to implement

  • Repeal of sanctuary state directives
  • Enhanced local police cooperation with immigration authorities

Phil Murphy

Supports

Murphy enacted measures allowing undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses and professional licenses.

In their words

  • New Jersey is a proud state of immigrants.

Policies they want to implement

  • Driver's license access regardless of legal status
  • State financial aid for undocumented students

Healthcare

Jack Ciattarelli

Mixed

Ciattarelli advocates for market-driven healthcare options and reducing regulatory insurance mandates.

Policies they want to implement

  • Expanding health insurance options
  • Reducing state regulatory mandates

Phil Murphy

Supports

Murphy established Get Covered NJ, a state-based health exchange, and expanded Medicaid coverage.

Policies they want to implement

  • State health insurance marketplace
  • Cover All Kids initiative expansion

Middle East Conflict

Jack Ciattarelli

Supports

Ciattarelli supports Israel and advocates strengthening trade ties between New Jersey and Israel.

Policies they want to implement

  • Strengthening New Jersey-Israel economic ties

Phil Murphy

Mixed

Murphy expressed support for Israel's defense while calling for humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.

Economy & Jobs

Jack Ciattarelli

Mixed

Ciattarelli focuses on lowering property taxes, cutting business tax rates, and reducing state government spending.

In their words

  • New Jersey needs lower taxes and a business-friendly environment.

Policies they want to implement

  • Property tax reduction plans
  • Lowering state corporate business taxes
  • Restructuring state pension funding

Phil Murphy

Mixed

Murphy supported raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour and investing in offshore wind and clean energy sectors.

In their words

  • We are building a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy.

Policies they want to implement

  • Phased minimum wage increase to $15
  • Tax incentives for clean energy technology

Housing

Jack Ciattarelli

Mixed

Ciattarelli advocates reforming the Mount Laurel affordable housing rules to increase municipal control.

Policies they want to implement

  • Reform of municipal affordable housing quotas

Phil Murphy

Mixed

Murphy signed legislation updating the state framework for municipal affordable housing enforcement.

Policies they want to implement

  • Affordable housing framework reform
  • Down payment assistance programs for home buyers

Public Safety

Jack Ciattarelli

Mixed

Ciattarelli supports modifying bail reform laws for repeat offenders and increasing state funding for local police.

Policies they want to implement

  • Bail reform modifications for persistent offenders
  • Increased state funding for municipal law enforcement

Phil Murphy

Mixed

Murphy enacted gun control measures and mandated body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers statewide.

Policies they want to implement

  • Red flag laws for firearm possession
  • Mandatory body cameras for police officers