The key issues shaping the New Jersey gubernatorial race as of September 13, 2025, revolve primarily around affordability, taxes, school funding, social safety nets, and mental health, with national political dynamics also playing a significant role [1] [2] [3].

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Affordability and Taxes New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the highest cost of living, making affordability a central concern for voters [1]. Property taxes, in particular, are a major point of contention, with the state average exceeding $10,000 for the first time in 2024, representing a 3% increase [1]. While the current Democratic administration under Governor Phil Murphy implemented measures like a state-level child tax credit, expanded earned income tax credit, and boosted minimum wage, property tax relief benefits have largely remained stagnant, leading to a net increase for many residents [1]. Other rising costs contributing to the affordability crisis include tolls on state highways and New Jersey Transit fares, the state gas tax, housing, and energy costs, alongside general inflation [1]. Recent tax hikes exceeding $600 million on various items, from online gambling to real estate transactions, further exacerbate these concerns [1]. Candidates like Mikie Sherrill acknowledge the widespread impact of the affordability crisis, citing examples of residents struggling with rent and housing costs [3]. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli attributes these issues to the current administration's economic policies, advocating for economic growth rather than tax increases [3]. Other candidates, such as Josh Gottheimer, propose tax cut plans including property tax reductions and senior rebates [3]. Steve Sweeney, a former Senate President, highlights his past efforts to cap property taxes and advocates for consolidating services to reduce costs [3]. Mario Kranjac also emphasizes reducing fraud, waste, and abuse to lower taxes [3].

School Funding The state's school funding formula, based on the 2008 School Funding Reform Act, is a critical issue, with lawmakers and advocates calling for updates to ensure stable funding for districts [1]. While Governor Murphy made temporary adjustments, some districts, like Toms River, have faced significant state aid cuts, leading to proposed tax hikes and job losses [1]. The next governor will also need to address the impact of potential changes in federal education funding, particularly under a Trump administration, which has previously attempted to withhold approved funding [1]. Sean Spiller, a candidate, suggests that the current formula doesn't adequately account for special needs students and needs adjustments to reflect changes in district wealth [3]. He also points out that unfunded state mandates contribute to higher local property taxes for schools [3].

Social Safety Net and Mental Health The potential for significant cuts in federal funding for social safety-net programs poses a major challenge [1]. Under the Trump administration's tax-cut law, New Jersey is projected to lose $3.6 billion annually in Medicaid funding, potentially impacting 1.8 million residents [1]. This could lead to 360,000 individuals losing coverage and a $700 million penalty if coverage for undocumented children is maintained [1]. Additionally, the state needs to find $200 million to maintain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at its current level, which supports 800,000 residents [1]. Other federal cuts could affect child protection services and temporary cash assistance [1]. The next governor will also need to decide on funding for mental health initiatives, such as the Statewide Student Support Services program for students and the Arrive Together pilot program, which pairs mental health clinicians with police for crisis response [1]. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also faces funding challenges, with a proposed phone tax to support it being rejected by lawmakers [1].

Support for Marginalized Students Policies affecting marginalized groups, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ students, are also key [1]. The Trump administration's increased immigration enforcement and removal of guidance for English language learners contrast with New Jersey's current approach [1]. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling allowing parents to opt children out of classes with LGBTQ+ content will also require the next governor's attention [1]. Legal challenges regarding school segregation and potential remedies like expanding magnet schools are also on the horizon [1]. Candidates like Sean Spiller emphasize supporting all residents, including immigrants, and avoiding policies that create fear [3]. Jack Ciattarelli, on the other hand, advocates for ending sanctuary city and state policies, believing they encourage illegal immigration [3]. Bill Spadea also calls for full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and ending sanctuary policies [3].

Budget Imbalance and Mass Transit New Jersey faces a structural budget gap of nearly $1.5 billion for the next administration, with a projected decline in the budget surplus [1]. Long-range projections indicate multibillion-dollar gaps between revenues and expenditures will persist [1]. Mass transit, particularly NJ Transit, faces funding challenges due to expiring temporary taxes and complaints about the diversion of funds from other sources [1]. Fares have already increased, and further increases are planned [1]. Bill Spadea suggests an overhaul of NJ Transit's logistics, including canceling electric vehicle mandates and optimizing bus routes [3].

National Political Dynamics The New Jersey gubernatorial race is drawing significant national attention, serving as a "trial balloon" for messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections [2]. National groups are expected to spend tens of millions of dollars, with the Democratic Governors Association already committing $20 million to support Mikie Sherrill [2] [4]. The influence of former President Donald Trump is a major factor, with Sherrill's campaign often tying Ciattarelli to Trump's policies [2] [5]. Ciattarelli, while focusing on local issues, has also embraced Trump's endorsement [2]. The outcome will be closely watched for insights into the national political landscape and potential implications for future elections [2]. A recent poll shows a tightening race, with Ciattarelli gaining ground, particularly among swing voters, and a significant portion of New Jersey voters feeling the state is on the "wrong track" [5].

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