It’s a political thriller in the Garden State.
A bombshell new poll shows Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli neck-and-neck — with Sherrill at 49% and Ciattarelli at 48%.
When undecided voters are pushed, Sherrill inches up just one point — 50% to 48% — according to the Emerson College/Pix 11/The Hill survey released Thursday.
The poll marks a stunning comeback for Ciattarelli, who has erased a 20-point summer deficit in the final days of the campaign.
The race is now so tight that turnout could make or break it.
Women favor North Jersey Congresswoman Sherrill by 18 points, while Ciattarelli — the GOP’s 2021 nominee — leads men by 16 points.
“Since last month, Ciattarelli’s lead among men increased by four points, and Sherill’s lead among women grew by eight points,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
Voters say the economy dominates their concerns — 52% call it the state’s top issue — far outweighing “threats to democracy” (14%), housing affordability (11%), immigration policy (5%), and health care (5%).
Both candidates remain evenly split in popularity:
• Sherrill: 47% favorable, 47% unfavorable
• Ciattarelli: 48% favorable, 48% unfavorable
Outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy isn’t helping his party. Only 34% approve of his performance, while 50% disapprove.
Emerson surveyed 1,000 voters from Oct. 25-28 via text, automated calls, and panel outreach. Margin of error: ±3 points.
Last month’s Emerson poll also had the pair tied at 43%, once considered an outlier — but not anymore.
New Jersey’s governor’s race just became a photo finish.
More over that The New York Post:
Ciattarelli, Sherrill in dead heat for NJ governor in final days of campaign: poll https://t.co/2VImU2a8bA pic.twitter.com/VdqADPC5ac
— New York Post (@nypost) October 30, 2025
