While New Jersey’s next primary election is nearly a year away, the 2025 race for governor is well underway — with a field that is growing more crowded each week.
The primary, set for June 2025, will feature no incumbent as Gov. Phil Murphy is term limited and cannot run again, but the field is full of big-name contenders hoping to secure their party’s nomination.
Some have held office in Trenton before while others have run cities and towns throughout the state. With so much time until the filing deadline, there’s no telling what the field will look like when ballots are printed next year.
Who are the Democrats running for NJ governor?
There are three candidates officially in the running for the nod 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’s spent months outlining proposals and plans on topics ranging from the state’s transportation infrastructure to affordable housing and has laid out his policy for transparency in government.
He’s secured endorsements from several current and former elected officials as well as a handful of trade unions but his anti-establishment strategy has left some party leaders less than thrilled.
Steve Sweeney
Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney launched his campaign at the end of last year and quickly racked up both donations and endorsements, including the support of his longtime friend and recently indicted South Jersey power broker George Norcross.
Sweeney — like Fulop — was poised for a run in 2017 but ultimately opted to not run and eventually endorsed 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’s opting out of a reelection campaign in favor of pursuing higher office. Spiller already has the backing of one of the state’s most powerful labor unions, the New Jersey Education Association. He’s also the union’s president.
During a deposition in a lawsuit filed 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?
While not officially candidates, rumors persist that Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-Montclair, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-Wyckoff, are considering runs for the state’s top seat.
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Who are the Republicans running for NJ governor?
The field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination for NJ governor is more crowded.
Jack Ciattarelli
Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli all but declared his candidacy after nearly toppling Murphy in a closer than expected race in 2021. He made it official earlier this year and has already been campaigning in full force, taking swipes at his opponents.
Jon Bramnick
State Sen. Jon Bramnick was the first to officially jump into the race on the Republican side. An ardent Never Trumper, Bramnick has amassed several endorsements and campaigns on the platform of party unity.
Ed Durr
Former state Sen. Ed Durr is most well known for unseating Sweeney in 2021 but after just one term he lost his reelection bid. He announced his candidacy for the nomination earlier this year but hasn’t seen much attention in the way of endorsements so far.
Bill Spadea
Conservative radio host Bill Spadea is the most recent candidate to jump into the race on the Republican side. He was called “fantastic” by former President Donald Trump at a recent Wildwood rally.
The decision by 101.5 and Townsquare Media to keep him on the air has caused some concern regarding campaign donations and contributions. Attorneys for both Bramnick and Ciattarelli allege that his show gives him an unfair advantage and the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission is considering the matter.
What about Mario Kranjac?
Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac is also reportedly considering a run. Kranjac served two terms as mayor of the Bergen County town. He didn’t run for a third, having previously cited his belief in term limits.
During his time in office the town was involved in a costly affordable housing lawsuit and gained national attention for billing a teen for a Black Lives Matter protest. He later rescinded the bill.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here’s who is running for New Jersey governor in 2025
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