RNC Intensifies Ground Game in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race as Contests Heat Up

By Theodore Bunker | Friday, 31 October 2025 03:59 PM EDT

With New Jersey’s gubernatorial contest in its final stages, the Republican National Committee is significantly expanding its on-the-ground efforts as the GOP aims to potentially secure the governor’s mansion. The national party now deploys 50 county captains, over 15,000 volunteers, and five full-time staff members in the state—a stark rise from 2021, when only two full-time staffers were stationed in New Jersey.

The campaign is centered around a new voter mobilization tool called VotePro, which assists voters in locating polling stations and accessing election details. “Republicans are unified in our sprint to the finish line, and we are delivering more boots on the ground,” said Delanie Bomar, RNC regional communications director.

Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli is leveraging these resources as he faces Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill in one of the most closely watched races of 2025. Polling averages from RealClearPolitics show Sherrill maintaining a 2.7 percentage-point lead, though analysts note the contest remains undecided. Democrats have dominated early and mail-in voting, accounting for 53% of ballots cast compared to 29% for Republicans.

The Democratic National Committee has also increased its presence in the state, with former President Barack Obama campaigning for Sherrill in Newark this weekend.

Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has covered news, media, and politics for over a decade.