Suggested Use of Gubernatorial Election Page & Project Disclaimer
How to get the most out of this election page
Note: I am not a statewide policy expert, and robust gubernatorial coverage already exists elsewhere. These pages should be thought of mainly in two ways:
(1) a repository of consolidated source data voters can research themselves, and (2) a Cumberland County–specific lens on candidate engagement and visibility.
Start with the Quick Election Introduction. Read the Quick Election Introdcution underneath below. It gives you the
fast take: what we can reasonably surmise from a “local data collector / reporter” point of view.
Go to the unofficial ballot page and research the candidates Start with source material from the candidates.
Think about regional nuance, if you want. While you should also follow broader statewide outlets
(NJ Globe,
PIX 11, etc.) for general coverage, this site adds a perspective point:
How do candidates treat Cumberland County? Do they show up at all during their year-long campaign? If so, do they engage with local issues and
offer concrete plans, or are appearances general rallies with generic state talking points that could be viewed on their campaign sites?
This project is meant as a repository and supplemental voter resource. Where context or opinion appears, it is only to help busy South Jersey
voters make sense of statewide races through a local lens.
Quick Election Introduction
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As of August 29, 2025, we are nearly two months past the primaries that set up Jack Ciattarelli as the Republican nominee and Mikie Sherrill as the
Democratic nominee.
With just about two months left until Election Day, we’re arguably in the middle of campaign season. I say “arguably” because the reality is that
mail-in ballots go out in roughly
three weeks—meaning voters who rely on them are already on a ticking clock to make their decisions.
The first step for any voter should be to review the candidates’ own source material—campaign websites, social media activity, interviews, and
coverage from established outlets.
Robust statewide reporting of this race already exists.
However, if you prefer a more local lens, here’s what stands out so far for Cumberland County: Ciattarelli has been undeniably more visible here.
He has appeared at
Republican bi-weekly breakfasts, the Puerto Rican Festival Parade, nearby rallies, and other events. That consistency signals not only that he
shows up, but that he
is building visibility with local representatives—relationships that could prove useful if the county needs state-level help. If he continues by
demonstrating real
understanding of our issues and offering concrete plans, he will build a strong case for local support.
Sherrill, by contrast, has only recently begun to appear in the South Jersey landscape, often at smaller or unadvertised events. This makes it
difficult for voters
to raise concerns directly and equally difficult for outlets like this one to connect her potential vision for Cumberland County with the public.
Even a neighboring
district’s representative recently remarked, “We haven’t gotten to know her real well yet.”
Primary Debate Videos
General Election Debates start 9/21, review these if you have too much time on your hands.
Videos
First Democrat Gubernatorial Primary Debate
Second Democrat Gubernatorial Primary Debate
First Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate
Second Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate
What Does A Governor Do?
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General Description: The Governor of New Jersey is the head of the executive branch of the state government. As the state’s top elected official, the Governor plays a crucial role in
setting policy direction, overseeing state departments, managing the budget, and implementing laws passed by the legislature. The Governor represents all New Jersey residents
and holds significant influence over both daily governance and long-term planning.
Executive Leadership:
The Governor oversees the operation of all executive agencies and departments in the state, including those responsible for health, education, transportation, law enforcement,
and social services. The Governor appoints department heads and sets administrative priorities to guide how laws are carried out across New Jersey.
State Budget Authority:
The Governor is responsible for proposing the annual state budget, which outlines how taxpayer dollars will be spent. This includes funding for public schools, infrastructure
projects, public safety, healthcare, and local aid. The legislature must approve the budget, but the Governor’s proposal serves as the starting point and primary vision.
Bill Signing and Veto Power:
Once the legislature passes a bill, the Governor can either sign it into law or veto it. The Governor also has the ability to issue a conditional veto—returning a bill to
the legislature with recommended changes. This power makes the Governor a key player in shaping legislation.
Emergency Management and Crisis Response:
In times of natural disaster, public health emergencies, or civil unrest, the Governor has broad powers to declare states of emergency, mobilize resources, and issue
executive orders that affect residents statewide.
Appointments and Judicial Influence:
The Governor appoints judges—including justices to the New Jersey Supreme Court (with Senate approval)—as well as members of boards, commissions, and various
regulatory agencies. These appointments shape how laws are interpreted and enforced for years to come.
Public Advocacy and Agenda Setting:
Through speeches, executive orders, and policy proposals, the Governor sets the policy agenda and works to persuade the public and legislature to support major initiatives.
Statewide Representation:
The Governor represents New Jersey in dealings with other states and the federal government, and acts as the face of the state during major events and emergencies.
Unofficial Ballot
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GENERAL ELECTION DATE: November 4th, 2025
UNOFFICIAL BALLOTS
Below is not exactly what you'll see sent to your house or in the voting booth, only an approximation based on website design considerations and focus on specific races.
Please review the official ballot beneath the unofficial ballot before voting.
( Click or tap on candidate name to learn more about them )
US Senator
Vote for One
Senadora
Vota por Uno
Socialist Workers Party
1A
0
Personal Choice
Seleccion Personal