## The Crowded Race for New Jersey's 2025 Gubernatorial Election Heats Up

The competition to determine New Jersey’s next governor is well underway, promising a highly contested and unpredictable race. With a multitude of candidates vying for the position, both the Democratic and Republican primaries are expected to be dynamic and fiercely competitive.

On the Democratic side, a standout is New Jersey’s most progressive politician, known for his charismatic communication style and genuine, disruptive approach. This candidate, who led the speedy replacement of lead pipes in Newark, has the highest favorability among Democrats, according to a late February poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) which indicates a 43 percent favorability rating. However, his progressive stance might be a double-edged sword - it could appeal to left-leaning voters while alienating more moderate or establishment figures. As of early April, a Rutgers poll noted that he commanded 9 percent of the vote choice among registered Democrats and left-leaning independents.

Analyzing the race, experts from POLITICO’s New Jersey team — with decades of experience covering state politics — believe this gubernatorial election is notably more unpredictable than previous ones. This analysis was based on a combination of factors, including endorsements, fundraising, electoral or political history, and polling metrics.

Donations remain a crucial aspect in the highly competitive primaries, with campaign finance reports filed with the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission and public matching fund announcements significantly influencing candidates’ standings. In the granular world of state politics, each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses will become increasingly scrutinized as New Jersey approaches this pivotal election in 2025.

No matter which Democrat and Republican emerge victorious from their respective primaries, the general election is set to be a showdown of significant political forces and ideologies, keeping the garden state’s politics vibrant and highly engaging.