Election Introduction


Learn More The governor's race this year is highly anticipated and has lots of competitors. To be clear, we should not be any sort of authoritative source on this race. Rather, we are going to consolidate and present the info as best as we can... and in the weeks leading up to the election date, June 10th, we are going to analyze the data from the perspective of an average Cumberland County voter. In other words, we are going to look for specifics that relate to us, like "Did this candidate even campaign in or near Cumberland County? Did they mention issues that directly relate to us? How would electing this specific individual help us?"

The Precursor: Where We're Basically At, Before the Race is Finished and Before Everything is Verified The Governor's Race: Is Cumberland County Even On Their Radar? As primary season winds down, voters across New Jersey are narrowing their focus. But for those of us in Cumberland County, one question remains stubbornly unanswered: Do any of these gubernatorial candidates actually care about us?
Over the past two years, I’ve been documenting political campaigns and transparency here in Cumberland County through InformTheVoteNJ.com. It’s been a deep dive — one that started with local races but inevitably led me to this: the 2025 race for Governor. It’s a big race, with major implications for our schools, infrastructure, economy, and basic visibility. And yet, it remains incredibly unclear whether the people running for the highest office in the state even know what’s happening down here.
So here’s my take — not from the perspective of a party operative or political insider, but from a voter who’s gone far beyond the average effort to stay informed. Below is a snapshot of each gubernatorial candidate and their engagement (or lack thereof) with Cumberland County and South Jersey at large.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
Steve Sweeney
Sweeney is technically from South Jersey — Gloucester County — which gives him a presumed familiarity with regional issues. Campaign mail has arrived at my family’s home, and he’s reportedly been endorsed by the Cumberland County Democratic Party. But beyond that, there’s been no direct contact or evidence of outreach. He may have mentioned Cumberland County once or twice during the Democratic debate, but nothing substantial stands out. He also did not respond to outreach from InformTheVoteNJ.
Verdict: Knows the region, but has not made his presence felt locally.

Josh Gottheimer
Gottheimer has not publicly addressed Cumberland County issues to date. He is, however, scheduled to do a meet and greet in the area tomorrow, at Double Eagle Saloon in Vineland — just a few weeks before the primary. While this could signal a late-game attempt to connect with voters here, it's unclear whether it’s genuine engagement or performative optics. One of his staffers initially opened the door to more outreach or interviews, but ultimately failed to follow through.
Verdict: Possibly coming around, but far too late to demonstrate meaningful interest.

Mikie Sherrill, Sean Spiller, and Ras Baraka
These three candidates are grouped together because they’ve demonstrated the same pattern: complete absence from the conversation in South Jersey. No events. No mentions. No responses to outreach.
Verdict: No presence, no engagement, no apparent interest.

Steve Fulop
To his credit, Fulop did show up in Vineland for a meet and greet at Bob Morgan Entertainment. It was a positive and pivotal moment in my own election coverage journey, as his running mates Brandon Saffold and Carolyn Rush committed to an interview and participation with InformTheVoteNJ. Fulop discussed broad themes like wind energy and the decline of local press. He was supportive of reintroducing civics education but didn’t offer tangible solutions for issues like infrastructure, voter outreach, or county-level press collapse. As a North Jersey mayor, his focus still seems tilted toward that region.
Verdict: Showed up and engaged — more than most — but unclear if he sees us as a priority.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

Jon Bramnick
There’s been no visible effort from Bramnick to engage with southern NJ, let alone Cumberland County.
Verdict: Absent from the region.
Jack Ciattarelli Ciattarelli has appeared multiple times at Republican events in the area over the past six months and has the endorsement of the local Republican party. He’s clearly connected with State Senator Mike Testa, which could offer a pipeline for local concerns. During a town hall, I asked him about civics education and the role of counties in gathering candidate information. He supported civics education but dismissed the idea of incentivizing press coverage, which felt out of step with our media reality. He hasn’t explicitly addressed issues facing Cumberland County, but the infrastructure to listen and respond appears to be in place.
Verdict: Connected and visible, but specifics are lacking.

Bill Spadea Spadea has held events within an hour’s drive of Cumberland County and publicly responded to a voter question about election integrity in Lawrence Township, saying he’d follow up with an event. He has not followed through. While he seems aware of broader statewide issues, there’s no evidence that he’s zoomed in on what’s happening here.
Verdict: Some signs of interest, but no concrete action.

Justin Barbera
Barbera has done what few others have: he showed up at a local Republican breakfast, listened, and engaged. I was able to interview him for a podcast and ask about both general voter education and specific county issues like broadband infrastructure and the Nabb Avenue extension. He offered supportive and responsive answers. He also plans to return to our area soon.
Verdict: Responsive, informed, and actively participating in local dialogue.

Mario Kranjac
Kranjac initially showed interest by replying to outreach, promising to fill out a candidate questionnaire and attend a forum. But he’s been unresponsive since. No events. No visibility besides brief instagram ads.
Verdict: Faded after initial contact — no follow-through.

Conclusion: Where Does That Leave Us?
Cumberland County often finds itself as an afterthought in statewide elections. This report highlights just how true that still is in 2025. Of the 11 major candidates for governor, only three — Fulop, Ciattarelli, and Barbera — have meaningfully interacted with our region. And even among them, only one (Barbera) has directly addressed county-level issues in depth.
So as you consider who to vote for, ask yourself: Shouldn’t a governor be someone who sees and hears all of New Jersey — not just the big cities and wealthy suburbs?
For full interviews, event listings, and issue breakdowns, visit InformTheVoteNJ.com. If you’re skeptical of this summary, go down the rabbit hole yourself. All the sources are there. All the outreach attempts are documented. I’m just here to say: I looked. And this is what I found. I'll do a more in-depth report in a week or so.


Phil Murphy is not seeking re-election, and the Democrats have 6 people in their primary race. Generally speaking, Steve Sweeney is the most establishment-oriented guy with direct experience in state government, Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill are both moderate congresspeople, Sean Spiller is a bit of an activist teacher with experience as head of the NJEA, and Steve Fulop and Ras Baraka are current mayors who are more of the aggressive reformer types.

Similarly, the Republicans have 5 candidates running in their primary. Jack Ciattarelli and Jon Bramnick are the most experienced, with Bramnick having the longest legislative track record and Ciattarelli being a former Assemblyman and 2021 GOP nominee. Bill Spadea is positioning himself as the conservative outsider, leveraging his radio show background to rally grassroots support. Mario Kranjac is a former mayor who openly brands himself as a “forever Trumper,” and Justin Barbera is a contractor and grassroots candidate focused on amplifying everyday voters.

Debates

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?


Learn More 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.

Candidates Spectrum - Which One Might You Prefer?


To note: The deadline for changing party affiliation has past for this primary. That means if you are registered republican, you can only vote for a republican. If you are registered as a democrat, you can only vote for a democrat. If you are unaffiliated, you can vote for either and the County Clerk's office will automatically register for the party you vote for.


Democrat Candidates

This guide organizes candidates from the most establishment-oriented to the most radically reform-minded — helping voters choose based on leadership style and appetite for change.


Justin Barbera
Steve Sweeney – Status Quo Steward

  • ✅ Deepest state-level experience (Former Senate President)

  • ⚙️ Governance Style: Institutional, legislative, incremental

  • 🗣️ Tone: Moderate and procedural


  • 🎯 Best fit for voters who believe the system just needs better management

  • More about Steve Sweeney →

Justin Barbera
Josh Gottheimer – Suburban Technocrat

  • 🏛️ Federal experience (Congressman, “Problem Solver Caucus”)

  • 💼 Governance Style: Incrementalist with fiscal focus

  • 🗣️ Tone: Moderate, centrist talking points


  • 🎯 Appeals to voters who want affordability without major disruption

  • More about Josh Gottheimer →

Justin Barbera
Mikie Sherrill – Disciplined Operator

  • 🇺🇸 Former Navy pilot and Assistant U.S. Attorney; current Congresswoman

  • ⚖️ Governance Style: Federalist, procedural, institution-trusting

  • 🗣️ Tone: Polished, cautious


  • 🎯 Suits voters seeking stable leadership with national-level credibility

  • More about Mikie Sherrill →

Justin Barbera
Sean Spiller – Union-Focused Populist

  • 🏫 NJEA President and former Montclair Mayor

  • 🛠️ Governance Style: Public-sector progressive, union-first policymaker

  • 🗣️ Tone: Passionate, activist-leaning


  • 🎯 Appeals to voters who want stronger labor influence without tearing down institutions

  • More about Sean Spiller →

Justin Barbera
Steve Fulop – Policy-Focused Reformer
  • 🏙️ Jersey City Mayor, former Marine and Goldman Sachs employee

  • 🔨 Governance Style: Bold reformer with detailed platform

  • 🗣️ Tone: Confrontational, issue-driven


  • 🎯 Ideal for voters who want major structural reform grounded in administrative experience

  • More about Steve Fulop →

Justin Barbera
Ras Baraka – Radical Equity Advocate

  • 🏙️ Newark Mayor with a transformative local record

  • 🧱 Governance Style: Structural reform rooted in racial equity and public ownership

  • 🗣️ Tone: High-activist, movement-aligned


  • 🎯 Resonates with voters who believe New Jersey needs fundamental change and redistribution

  • More about Ras Baraka →


Republican Candidates

This guide organizes Republican candidates from the most establishment-oriented to the most radically reform-minded — helping voters choose based on leadership style and appetite for change.


Justin Barbera
Jon Bramnick – Moderate Institutional Conservative

  • ⚖️ Veteran legislator, former Assembly GOP Leader, and current State Senator

  • ⚙️ Governance Style: Procedural, compromise-oriented, pro-rule-of-law

  • 🗣️ Tone: Calm, rational, occasionally prosecutorial


  • 🎯 Appeals to voters seeking GOP leadership without bombast—fiscally conservative, socially measured, and governance-focused

  • More about Jon Bramnick →

Justin Barbera
Jack Ciattarelli – Institutional Conservative

  • 🏛️ Former Assemblyman and 2021 GOP gubernatorial nominee

  • ⚖️ Governance Style: Center-right, pro-business, state-level incrementalism

  • 🗣️ Tone: Calm, policy-oriented, occasionally combative on cultural flashpoints


  • 🎯 Appeals to Republican voters who want competence, lower taxes, and traditional GOP governance without Trump-style disruption

  • More about Jack Ciattarelli →

Justin Barbera
Bill Spadea – Disruptive Conservative Executive

  • 📻 NJ101.5 radio host with strong grassroots and statewide reach

  • ⚡ Governance Style: Executive-driven, reformist, and anti-establishment

  • 🗣️ Tone: Confrontational, populist, anti-elite


  • 🎯 Appeals to voters seeking aggressive reform, strong parental rights, and a cultural reset of NJ government

  • More about Bill Spadea →

Justin Barbera
Justin Barbera – Anti-Establishment Patriot

  • 🔧 Contractor and small business owner with no prior political office

  • 🚫 Governance Style: Anti-institutional, populist, religious-nationalist framing

  • 🗣️ Tone: Raw, faith-driven, defiant toward political elites


  • 🎯 Resonates with voters seeking moral revival, outsider courage, and total system overhaul rooted in Christian and constitutional values

  • More about Justin Barbera →

Justin Barbera
Mario Kranjac – America First Enforcer

  • 🏛️ Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor, venture capitalist, and attorney

  • 🛠️ Governance Style: Trump-aligned, outsider-driven, hyper-local control

  • 🗣️ Tone: Confrontational, unapologetic, populist


  • 🎯 Appeals to voters who want sweeping change rooted in Trumpism and community autonomy

  • More about Mario Kranjac →

PRIMARY ELECTION DATE: June 10th, 2025


SAMPLE BALLOTS



Democrat Ballot

( Click or tap on candidate name to learn more about them )

DEMOCRATIC

DEMOCRATA

OFFICE TITLE

TITULO OFICIAL

A

Democratic

Democrata

B

Democratic

Democrata

PERSONAL CHOICE

SELECCION PERSONAL

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Ras J.

1A

0

Baraka

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Steven

1A

0

Fulop

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Sean

1A

0

Spiller

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Steve

1A

0

Sweeney

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Josh

1A

0

Gottheimer

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Democrat

Mikie

1A

0

Sherrill

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Republican Ballot

( Click or tap on candidate name to learn more about them )

REPUBLICAN

REPUBLICANO

OFFICE TITLE

TITULO OFICIAL

A

Republican

Republicano

B

Republican

Republicano

PERSONAL CHOICE

SELECCION PERSONAL

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Republican

Jack

1A

0

Ciatarelli

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Republican

Justin

1A

0

Barbera

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Republican

Bill

1A

0

Spadea

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Republican

Jon

1A

0

Bramnick

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Governor

Vote for One

Gobernador

Vota por Uno

Republican

Mario M.

1A

0

Kranjac

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0