This is the fifth story in a multi-part series examining key issues in the 2025 New Jersey governor’s race. With the primary election coming up on June 10, and early voting starting this week, this series aims to provide voters with clear, comparative information on where each candidate stands. For more, visit our 2025 Primary Voters Guide , and read previous installments on property taxes , climate and energy , transportation, and immigration.
This story was reported and written by New Jersey State House News Service intern reporters Victoria Gladstone of The College of New Jersey and Paige Britt, Emma Ferschweiler, Madison Miller, and Abby Thomas, all of Rowan University.
New Jersey has some of the nation’s strongest abortion protections. The Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act of 2022, signed by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, codified women’s constitutional rights to terminate pregnancies.
As the term-limited Murphy prepares to step down in January, Democratic and Republican candidates vying to succeed him are split along party lines. Democrats generally say they would defend and expand abortion access. Several Republicans favor restrictions or bans, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
Democrats
Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, marked the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision by reaffirming his support for abortion access. “Abortion rights are and always will be protected in New Jersey,” he posted. He also pointed to disparities in maternal health: “Rights mean little without access and investment in equity.”
Steve Fulop, mayor of Jersey City, launched a 2022 partnership with Planned Parenthood to expand local reproductive health services.
“For women’s reproductive rights, [Governor Murphy has] done very well,” Fulop said. “I would hope to build on the progress that he’s made.”
Sean Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association, said he would block efforts to prosecute patients or providers traveling to or practicing in New Jersey.
“We have to protect folks traveling into this state… or doctors who are providing the healthcare that women need,” he said. Murphy’s current budget proposal includes $2 million to help out-of-state providers relocate.
Mikie Sherrill, a U.S. Representative, has warned about Republican efforts to ban abortion medications, including mifepristone.
“One of the ways Republicans are trying to limit it is to not allow these drugs to be shipped through the mail,” Sherrill said. She supports requiring insurance coverage for reproductive care and expanding access to contraception and IVF. “Every New Jerseyan should have affordable access,” she said.
Steve Sweeney, the former Senate president and an early sponsor of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, supports a constitutional amendment to safeguard abortion rights permanently.
“What you legislate can be un-legislated,” he posted on X. “We need a constitutional amendment to ensure these rights will always be protected.”
Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Representative and member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Republicans
Jon Bramnick, a state senator, has consistently stated his support for reproductive rights. “I’m pro-choice. I’ve always been pro-choice,” he said.
Mario Kranjac, former mayor of Englewood Cliffs, said abortion represents a “culture of death” and should end.
“It’s just not the right way for a society to conduct itself,” he said. Citing global abortion statistics, Kranjac added: “Don’t you think… some people within that group… would have created cures and done wonderful things?”
Bill Spadea, a former radio host endorsed by New Jersey Right to Life, opposes state-funded abortion coverage under NJ FamilyCare.
“Why doesn’t New Jersey empower young women who choose life?” Spadea said. “That’s what we should be doing.” He advocates for more support for women who view ultrasounds and opt to carry pregnancies.
Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, and Justin Barbera, a contractor, did not respond to requests for comment.
