By Paige Britt, Emma Ferschweiler, Victoria Gladstone, Madison Miller, Jenna Rittman and Abby Thomas — NJ State House News Service
Voters head to the polls on June 10, 2025, to help choose New Jersey’s next governor in a primary election that features a wide-open field and new ballot procedures. According to the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, Vote-by-Mail ballots have already been sent to voters on the permanent list, and early voting will run from June 3 through June 8.
This year’s primary also reflects statewide changes. A federal court ruling earlier this year struck down the traditional “party line” ballot format used in most counties. Instead, ballots will list all candidates grouped by the office they seek—not by party endorsement—following a lawsuit filed in February 2024 by Andy Kim—then a U.S. Representative and now a U.S. Senator.
Mercer County voters can return their Vote-by-Mail ballots by mail, via one of 19 secure drop boxes located throughout the county, or in person at the Mercer County Board of Elections office in Lawrence. Sample ballots for the June 10 election are available through the Mercer County Clerk’s website. Voters are encouraged to check their sample ballots for their assigned polling location and call the Clerk’s Office with any questions about registration or ballot delivery.
With 11 gubernatorial candidates—six Democrats and five Republicans—competing in this year’s primary, and more voters than ever relying on early voting and mail-in options, questions like “Who’s running?” “How do I vote?” and “Where do I go?” are top of mind. This guide has answers.
Voting Basics
Who Can Vote?
To register in New Jersey, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 17 years old (but 18 to vote)
- Be a resident of your county for at least 30 days
- Not be serving a sentence for a felony conviction
Key Dates
- May 20: Voter registration deadline
- June 3–8: Early voting
- June 3: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail
- June 9: Deadline to apply in person for a mail-in ballot (by 3 p.m.)
- June 10: Primary Election Day (polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Not Registered with a Party?
You can still vote in the primary. When you arrive at your polling place, you may request either a Democratic or Republican ballot. This will register you with that party moving forward.
Where to Vote
To find your polling location, visit the NJ Voter Information Portal, or check your sample ballot mailed by the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.
Why the Ballots Look Different
Ballots have changed due to a lawsuit filed in February 2024 by Andy Kim—then a U.S. Representative and now a U.S. Senator—during his Senate campaign. A federal court ruled against the “party line” format, requiring ballots to list candidates grouped by office, not by endorsements.
Democratic Candidates
Ras Baraka
Hometown: Newark
Website: Ras for Governor
Education:
- Howard University, bachelor’s in political science and history, 1991
- St. Peter’s University, master’s in education supervision, 1994
Professional:
- Teacher, Newark public schools
- Principal, Newark Central High School, 2007–2013
Personal:
- Age 55
- Married to Linda Jumah
- Four children
Political:
- Newark mayor, 2014–present
- Newark City Council, 2005–2006 and 2010–2014
Candidate Summary:
Baraka describes himself as the most progressive candidate in the race. A former educator and lifelong Newark resident, he emphasizes budget equity, increasing affordable housing, and challenging the current $55.9 billion state budget. Baraka is also a published poet and son of the late Amiri Baraka.
Steven Fulop
Hometown: Jersey City
Website: StevenFulop.com
Education:
- Binghamton University, bachelor’s, 1999
- Columbia University, MPA, 2006
- NYU Stern School of Business, MBA, 2006
Professional:
- Goldman Sachs, 1999–2002
- U.S. Marine Corps, 2003–2006
- Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., 2006–2012
Personal:
- Age 48
- Married to Jacklyn Thompson
- Three children
Political:
- Jersey City Council, 2005–2013
- Jersey City Mayor, 2013–present
Candidate Summary:
Fulop is running on his record as Jersey City mayor, citing thousands of affordable housing units and falling crime rates. He supports NJ Transit investment and congestion pricing. After witnessing the 9/11 attacks, he enlisted in the Marines and later turned to politics. He’s also an Ironman triathlete who races to support veterans.
Josh Gottheimer
Hometown: Wyckoff
Website: Josh4Jersey
Education:
- University of Pennsylvania, bachelor’s in American history, 1997
- Pembroke College, Ph.D. in modern history, 1999
- Harvard Law School, 2004
Professional:
- Speechwriter, Clinton administration, 1998
- FCC senior counselor to Chairman Julius Genachowski, 2010–2012
- General manager for corporate strategy, Microsoft Corp., 2012–2015
Personal:
- Age 50
- Married to Marla Tusk
- Two children
Political:
- U.S. House of Representatives, 2017–present
Candidate Summary:
Gottheimer, who represents the 5th Congressional District, says he’s a “Jersey guy” who “stands up” for Garden State values. His campaign focuses on cutting costs for residents—lowering property taxes, offering childcare tax credits, and expanding energy supplies to reduce utility prices. He opposes Trump-era tariffs and pledges to fight back against economic policies that harm working families.
Mikie Sherrill
Hometown: Montclair
Website: Mikie Sherrill
Education:
- U.S. Naval Academy, bachelor’s degree
- London School of Economics, master’s in global history
- Georgetown Law School
Professional:
- U.S. Navy pilot, 1994–2004
- Assistant U.S. attorney, 2011–2016
Personal:
- Age 53
- Married to Jason Hedburg
- Four children
Political:
- U.S. House of Representatives, 2018–present
Candidate Summary:
Sherrill entered politics after Trump’s first term, citing its negative effects on New Jersey. She supports abortion rights, affordable housing, clean energy, and lowering healthcare costs. She also defends Social Security and Medicare and has a background in military and legal service.
Sean Spiller
Hometown: Montclair
Website: Sean Spiller for Governor
Education:
- Rutgers University, bachelor’s degree
- Ramapo College, master’s degree
Professional:
- Science teacher, Wayne Valley High School
- President, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), 2021–present
Personal:
- Age 49
- Married to Lauren Parian Spiller
- Two children
Political:
- Mayor of Montclair, 2020–present
Candidate Summary:
Spiller’s campaign is backed by a $35 million NJEA-affiliated PAC. He proposes undoing Christie-era pension reforms, expanding universal pre-K, capping rent increases, mandating hospital pricing transparency, and launching a new healthcare affordability office. He supports EV incentives, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gun-violence prevention.
Steve Sweeney
Hometown: West Deptford
Website: Steve Sweeney for Governor
Education:
- Pennsauken High School, 1977
Professional:
- Union leader and ironworker
- General VP, International Assoc. of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers
Personal:
- Age 65
- Married to Patti Sweeney
- Two children
Political:
- State Senate, 2002–2021
- Senate president, 2010–2022
Candidate Summary:
Sweeney highlights his legislative record: raising the minimum wage, legalizing same-sex marriage, and expanding paid family leave. A disability rights advocate due to his daughter Lauren’s experiences, he emphasizes affordability, infrastructure, and working-class priorities. He lost re-election in 2021 to a political newcomer.
Republican Candidates
Justin Barbera
Hometown: Southampton
Website: Justin Barbera
Education:
- Fork Union Military Academy
- East Carolina University
Professional:
- Construction contractor
- Founder, Independent Patriot Corps
Personal:
- Age 44
- Married
- Three children
Political:
- Ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024
Candidate Summary:
Barbera is a self-described “Trump Loyalist” and conservative outsider. A general contractor and military school alumnus, he says his experience in the private sector can help drive job creation and economic development. He wants to strengthen accountability in government, reduce corruption, and reform education policy—including restricting the use of AI in classrooms. Barbera also emphasizes discipline and public service, citing his military family background.
Jon Bramnick
Hometown: Westfield
Website: Bramnick for Governor
Education:
- Syracuse University, B.A.
- Hofstra University, J.D.
Professional:
- Partner, Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan
- Assistant corporation counsel, New York City
- Adjunct professor, Rutgers and Rider universities
Personal:
- Age 72
- Married to Patricia Brentano
- Two children
Political:
- State Senate, 2022–present
- State Assembly, 2003–2022
- Assembly Republican leader, 2012–2022
Candidate Summary:
Bramnick describes himself as a moderate Republican focused on lowering taxes, enhancing education, and improving public safety. While critical of former President Trump, he supports Trump’s actions on immigration. He advocates for school choice, increased law enforcement funding, and a more affordable New Jersey. Known for his humor, Bramnick moonlights as a stand-up comedian.
Jack Ciattarelli
Hometown: Somerville
Website: Jack For New Jersey
Education:
- Seton Hall University, bachelor’s in accounting and MBA
Professional:
- Founder, Galen Publishing, 1995–2017
- Associate professor, Seton Hall University, 1998–2001
Personal:
- Age 63
- Married to Melinda Castro (1999–2023)
- Four children
Political:
- Republican nominee for governor, 2021
- General Assembly, 2011–2018
- Somerset County commissioner, 2007–2011
- Raritan Borough councilman, 1990–1995
Candidate Summary:
Ciattarelli is reprising his 2021 platform focused on affordability, state government reform, and immigration enforcement. He supports the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency and is in favor of term limits for elected officials. He emphasizes that he has outperformed both Trump and former Gov. Chris Christie in various counties, noting his appeal across party lines.
Mario Kranjac
Hometown: Englewood Cliffs
Website: Mario for NJ
Education:
- Fordham University, bachelor’s degree, 1987
- Fordham University, J.D., 1990
Professional:
- Corporate attorney, founder of Kranjac Tripodi and Partners LLP
- Founder, Dynamk Capital (biotech venture capital firm)
- Partner, IronGate Capital Advisors
- Former partner, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis
Personal:
- Age 58
- Married to Nancy Kranjac
- Three children
Political:
- Mayor of Englewood Cliffs, 2016–2024
Candidate Summary:
Kranjac entered the race late, positioning himself as a pro-law, anti-corruption Republican. He was the first GOP mayor elected in Englewood Cliffs in four decades and was reelected. He supports tax cuts, spending reductions, and rolling back affordable housing mandates. Kranjac, a Trump supporter, advocates for stricter abortion laws and enforcement of immigration policy. He says his stance on immigration is personal, as his parents immigrated from Ukraine.
Bill Spadea
Hometown: Princeton
Website: Spadea for New Jersey Governor
Education:
- Boston University, B.A. in communications, 1991
Professional:
- Radio host, NJ101.5-FM, 2015–2025
- Real estate agent, Weichert, 1999–2013
- U.S. Marine Corps, 1995–1999
Personal:
- Age 56
- Married to Jodi Spadea
- Two children
Political:
- Founder, Common Sense Club PAC
- Ran for state Assembly, 2012
Candidate Summary:
Spadea built a political following during the pandemic by opposing lockdowns and mask mandates. He supports Trump-style policies on immigration, education, and reproductive rights. He has pledged to lower corporate tax rates, promote state-level government efficiency, and restore what he calls “common sense” governance. His campaign is grounded in strong conservative principles and grassroots outreach.
