Ciattarelli, Sherrill tied in NJ governor race in Emerson College poll

In the latest Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey, New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill were tied at 43% apiece, with 14% of voters undecided or backing another candidate. The results, released this week, mark the first mainstream poll to show a dead heat in the race after months of surveys showing Sherrill with a lead. Ciattarelli's campaign responded with a new slate of television advertisements designed to cast doubt on Sherrill’s priorities.

The margin shift arrives as more polls show a narrowing. RealClearPolitics' average currently shows Sherrill ahead by about 6.6 percentage points, a gap that has narrowed in recent weeks as Ciattarelli has pressed his case on taxes, crime and public safety. The poll results come as Ciattarelli released new ads highlighting a moment when Sherrill appeared to struggle describing her legislative priorities.

Former President Donald Trump touted Ciattarelli on Truth Social after the poll release, saying Ciattarelli would be a 'GREAT Governor' and praising his stance on crime and taxes, according to accounts referenced by The Associated Press.

Context matters for New Jersey: in 2021, outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy led Ciattarelli by roughly 7.8 points in RealClearPolitics’ polling average before Election Day, but the aggregate underestimated Ciattarelli's support by about five points, illustrating how finish-stage dynamics can shift in New Jersey races.

As Election Day nears, both campaigns say the race remains fluid as voters weigh plans to reduce taxes, bolster public safety, and invest in schools and the economy. Ciattarelli's team has signaled that the tightened polling will drive further advertising and campaign stops across the state.