New Rutgers Eagleton Poll: Low Name ID Poses Challenge for Gubernatorial Candidates

A recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll highlights the significant challenge candidates face in raising their profiles ahead of New Jersey’s gubernatorial primary next June. As one of only two states holding off-year gubernatorial elections, New Jersey’s candidates must intensify efforts to introduce themselves to the electorate.

The October 24th poll revealed former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerville) as the most recognized Republican candidate, boasting favorable ratings of 42%-4% among Republicans. This figure contrasts sharply with his 20%-16% favorability among the broader pool of voters, which includes Democrats and independents. Ciattarelli previously ran as the GOP candidate in 2021.

Conservative radio host Bill Spadea received 21%-5% favorables among Republicans but has limited appeal among Democrats and independents, reflected in his 95-12% favorable ratings in that group.

State Senator Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) registered an 8%-5% favorability rating among Republicans and a similar 7%-5% statewide rating. Former State Senator Edward Durr (R-Logan), another announced Republican candidate, was not included in the poll.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) emerged as the most favorable candidate, with a 33%-2% rating among Democrats and a 19%-8% favorability among all registered voters.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) received 18%-5% favorables among Democrats, with a statewide rating of 15%-8% when including Republicans and independents.

Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, who serves as the president of the New Jersey Education Association, has favorables of 10%-6% among Democrats and 7%-7% among all registered voters.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recorded a 26%-5% favorable rating among Democrats and 16%-11% when factoring in Republicans and independents.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop's ratings stand at 13%-6% among Democrats and 9%-9% when including all voters.

Former Senate President Steve Sweeney holds a 15%-14% approval rating among Democrats, dropping to 12%-19% when Republicans and independents are included.

These results underscore the importance for candidates to ramp up outreach efforts to improve name recognition and favorability as the 2025 Primary Election approaches.

Chief Counsel to Exit Murphy Administration

Parimal Garg, New Jersey's longest-serving chief counsel, will leave Governor Phil Murphy’s administration on November 15 to join Lowenstein Sandler, one of the state’s premier law firms, as a partner. This transition marks the end of his historic tenure as the longest-serving chief counsel to a New Jersey governor.

Garg, one of Governor Murphy’s original senior advisors, joined the administration on inauguration day as deputy chief counsel and was promoted to chief counsel in October 2020 following Matt Platkin’s departure. His journey with Murphy began in 2016, when he served as a senior policy advisor on Murphy's gubernatorial campaign. Before that, he was a law clerk for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.

Garg’s tenure in the administration includes a significant list of achievements. He played a key role in confirming 160 Superior Court judges, comprising roughly 35% of the state judiciary. Among other legislative accomplishments, he assisted in codifying legal abortion into New Jersey law, advancing affordable housing initiatives, and strengthening gun safety regulations. The Harvard Law School graduate also contributed to successful litigation that led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing New Jersey to exit a bi-state waterfront commission with New York. Additionally, he was instrumental in the effort to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state.

Stockton Poll: Offshore Wind Not a Major Priority for NJ Voters 

A public opinion survey conducted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University in mid-October found that only 24% of 616 registered voters polled said offshore wind projects should be a major priority for the state, while 37% said they should be a minor priority and 29% said they should not be a priority at all

Voters in coastal New Jersey counties and those who oppose wind turbines were slightly more energized by the issue of offshore wind, with 28% to 29% saying a candidate’s views on the matter would impact their vote greatly. 

In 2019, as many as 77% of New Jerseyans supported offshore wind projects; last year the number plummeted to 50%, and this year’s poll showed just 52% support. 

Support for offshore wind was split on partisan grounds. The poll found 74% of Democrats support the installation of wind turbines off the coast of New Jersey, compared to 28% of Republicans and 53% of independents.

In Remembrance: Hoboken Council President Jen Giattino 

Four-term Hoboken city council member and current City Council President Jen Giattino passed away suddenly at the age of 53 on November 5th, 2024.

Giattino served Hoboken with unwavering commitment, was elected four times to the City Council, and is currently in her seventh term as City Council President. She was a champion for her neighbors and the small business community in hoboken. Jen was a passionate advocate for those facing homelessness and housing insecurity and supported causes close to her heart, including the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, Family Promise of Hudson County and Garden State Episcopal. 

Governor Murphy and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla both mourned her passing. 

“Tammy and I are devastated by the sudden passing of Hoboken City Council President Jen Giattino,” said Murphy. “A loving wife, mother of three, and devoted council member who loved her community, Jen was in public service for the right reasons.” 

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the sudden and incredibly tragic passing of Council President Jen Giattino,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Jen’s dedication to our community will never be forgotten. Her kindness, humility and quiet determination made her a cherished figure whose impact will be felt for generations to come.”