HACKENSACK, NJ. April 25, 2025 (Biz Republic) — Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) has made a significant comeback in his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey, narrowing the gap with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) to just five points, according to an internal campaign poll conducted between April 1 and 3. The survey, commissioned by Gottheimer’s team and conducted by Global Strategy Group, places Sherrill at 19% support among likely Democratic voters, with Gottheimer close behind at 14%.
Also in close contention are Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (13%) and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (11%). New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller is also at 11%, followed by former State Senate President Steve Sweeney at 5%. While Sherrill remains in the lead, the poll highlights growing momentum behind Gottheimer, whose economic message appears to be resonating strongly.
According to his campaign, his focus on tax cuts, cost-of-living issues, and affordability is breaking through, particularly among white working-class voters, Latino and Asian communities, Jewish voters, and residents of South Jersey. “The landscape is shifting. Josh’s message is landing where it matters most: in people’s wallets,” the memo states. “There are still many undecided voters, and more and more Democrats are identifying with his vision.”
In key regions such as Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, the race is wide open: Sherrill stands at 18%, Baraka at 17%, and Fulop at 16%—a virtual tie. Among white liberal voters, Sherrill leads with 25%, while Fulop has gained ground, reaching 21%. By contrast, an internal poll from Sherrill’s campaign, conducted April 6–8, shows her ahead of Gottheimer by 10 points (25% to 15%), with Fulop and Baraka each polling at 13%.
With the Democratic primary scheduled for June 10 and a large portion of the electorate still undecided, the race for the gubernatorial nomination remains wide open. For now, Gottheimer appears to be the candidate with the strongest upward momentum. Chelsea Brossard, Gottheimer’s campaign manager, said: “Josh is the only candidate with a plan to make life more affordable for Jersey families, and he’s focused on delivering it. Some people don’t believe it’s possible, but Josh has taken on what others thought was impossible — and gotten it done.”
“When people come after Jersey families, Josh Gottheimer finds solutions and takes on those in the way. […] As Governor, Josh Gottheimer will stand up to Trump and fight for Jersey families — just like he did in Congress, working to protect Medicare and expand the Child Tax Credit.” “Our path to victory is clear. Our data shows that primary voters without a college degree — especially white men and women over 45, as well as Hispanic and AAPI voters — are especially receptive to Josh’s message.”
