New Jersey Governor Race Heats Up as Republicans Aim for Historic Shift

Rep. Michael Testa on Wake Up America (11/04/2025)
By James Morley III | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 10:34 AM EST

As polls opened nationwide, New Jersey State Sen. Michael Testa joined Newsmax to discuss the closely contested governor’s race, which could mark a pivotal shift for the traditionally Democratic state. A new RealClearPolitics poll shows Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli trailing Democrat Mikie Sherrill by three points, positioning the GOP “within striking distance.”

Testa argued on “Wake Up America” that a Republican victory would signal voters’ frustration with “radical-leftist, woke ideology” and their desire for “common sense” leadership. He urged Republicans to mobilize, noting their preference for in-person voting over early or mail-in ballots. “If Republicans turn out today,” he said, “we have a new Republican governor this evening.”

The senator highlighted rising taxes, utility costs, and grocery prices as key concerns, blaming Democrats for New Jersey’s economic struggles. He referenced former President Ronald Reagan’s legacy, questioning whether residents are better off under Gov. Phil Murphy, whom he claimed has left the state “weaker and poorer.”

Education and parental rights also dominated Testa’s remarks. He criticized Sherrill’s stance against allowing parents to opt children out of LGBTQ curriculum, contrasting it with Ciattarelli’s support for parental choice. “Parents have had enough,” Testa said. “They are going to elect Jack Ciattarelli.”

Testa concluded by drawing a parallel between New Jersey’s race and New York City’s mayoral election, warning that a far-left victory in NYC could turn New Jersey into a refuge for those fleeing poor leadership.