New Jersey
Is Gen Z trending more Republican in New Jersey? What polls show
A tight race faces Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli in their bids to become New Jersey governor next week, according to polls.
Sherrill holds a lead among young voters, a traditional Democratic group that shifted rightward in last year’s presidential race, recent surveys suggest.
Newsweek reached out to the Ciattarelli and Sherrill campaigns for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The New Jersey gubernatorial race is a key bellwether for the mood of the electorate ahead of the 2026 midterms, when Democrats will be hoping to flip seats across the country in a 2018-style “blue wave.”
The election will be a test for Democrats’ efforts to win back support where President Donald Trump gained ground in last year’s presidential race. Gen Z is one group that swung toward Trump last year. They backed former Vice President Kamala Harris by about 11 points last year, a much tighter margin than former President Joe Biden’s 24-point margin among Gen Z four years earlier.
Sherrill will be seeking to win back those voters in New Jersey, a state that also drifted toward competitiveness. It backed Harris by only about six points, down from Biden’s 16-point victory in the Garden State in 2020.
What to Know
Polling suggests that Sherrill holds a slight—but not insurmountable—lead over Ciattarelli in the final days of the campaign. The data points to a closer race than in 2021, when Ciattarelli nearly defeated incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, overperforming his polling numbers.
Sherrill is also winning over Gen Z voters, according to polls.
A Fox News poll showed 60 percent of voters under 30 are backing Sherrill, while only 33 percent are voting for Ciattarelli. Two percent said they’d vote for someone else, and five percent of the 1,002 voters surveyed from October 10 to October 14 said they were unsure.
A co/efficient poll similarly found the 53-year-old former federal prosecutor with a lead among Gen Z voters. Sherrill led voters between the ages of 18 and 34 by 26 points (57 percent to 31 percent). It polled 995 likely voters from October 23 to October 27, 2025 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.27 percentage points.
An Emerson College poll also showed Sherrill leading voters between the ages of 18 and 29 by 38 points (56 points to 18 points), though that poll notably found a higher percentage were still undecided (15 percent) or voting for someone else (11 percent). It surveyed 935 likely voters from September 22 to September 23 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points for all voters.
A Rutgers University poll showed a more competitive race to win over Gen Z voters. In that survey, Sherrill led by only six points (49 percent to 43 percent). It surveyed 795 likely voters from October 3 to October 17 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.
Joseph Patten, Professor of Political Science at Monmouth University, told Newsweek that Gen Z is a critical voting bloc for Democrats.
“When young people are energized and mobilized, it typically fares well for Democratic candidates. When they’re not, when they’re down in the dumps, that’s typically a bad sign for Democratic candidates,” he said. “So we’ll see where they are in 2025.”
He pointed to the 2020 election, when Biden defeated Trump, as an example of Gen Z proving to be one of the most important groups who decided the outcome of the election. Their rightward shift was largely due to a drop off in voting numbers from 2020 to 2024, he said.
In 2020, Gen Z turnout in New Jersey was about 67 percent. In 2024, that number was 54 percent—still higher than the national average of 47 percent, Patten said. The youth vote in New Jersey also skews more diverse, as about 56 percent of students in New Jersey schools are non-white, he said.
There’s also a notable gender gap between young men and young women, he said.
“Young women are much more likely to be liberal, and young men are more inclined to be more conservative,” he said. “There’s also a gender gap in turnout. Young women vote by nine percentage points higher than young men.”
Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, told Newsweek that the election is a “departure from last year,” when Gen Z voters shifted to Trump.
“Those voters are still out there. They’re still partisan. There’s no question about that. But as a bloc, as a distinct voting group or as a generation, I think there is a reappraisal,” he said. “Have they gotten what they bargained for? Is the federal government that we’ve gotten so far what our youngest voters voted for?”
On the Republican side, the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk has been a “rallying point” for young voters, he said. There is a sense of “let’s do thus for Charlie” that could benefit the Ciattarelli campaign with more partisan voters. That will not necessarily appeal to those young voters who are less engaged and partisan, he said.
Democrats don’t have that same “inflection,” but the Sherrill campaign has also been working to engage younger supporters by having them write postcards or make phone calls, he said.
There is unlikely to be “the same level of engagement” in the race as a presidential contest, he said. There are certainly younger voters who are engaged—but it is unlikely to be as widespread, he added.
How Does Gen Z Polling Compare to 2021?
There were no exit polls conducted in New Jersey for the last governor’s race in 2021. In that race, Murphy won by just over three percentage points (51 percent to 48 percent), but it’s unclear exactly what percentage of Gen Z voters he ended up winning.
But an Emerson College poll from October 2021 showed that Murphy was on track to win Gen Z by nearly 16 points (58 percent to 42 percent). Meanwhile, a Monmouth University poll, which ended up overestimating Murphy’s support by a larger margin, found that he was on track to win Gen Z voters by 25 points (56 percent to 31 percent).
Whether or not polling overestimates Sherrill’s support as it did for Murphy in the last gubernatorial race is a key question facing pollsters ahead of Election Day. Many Republicans believe the support for 63-year-old businessman Ciattarelli, who missed out in the previous gubernatorial race, has been undercounted in polls.
Historically, younger voters do turn out at lower rates than older voters, and it’s yet to be seen which candidate does a better job at mobilizing their youngest supporters before next week’s election.
What People Are Saying
Sherrill wrote Monday on X: “Donald Trump’s global extortion racket is lining his pockets and costing New Jerseyans more at the register. Not on my watch—as governor, I’m going to work with our Attorney General to defend New Jerseyans against Washington’s reckless tariffs.”
Ciattarelli wrote Monday on X: “This campaign is about change. It’s about restoring hope for New Jersey’s future. Hope for families struggling to afford to stay here, seniors struggling to retire here. Hope for safer communities, better schools, and a government that finally puts you first.”
What Happens Next
Early voting has been underway, and Election Day is set for November 4. Forecasters give Sherrill an advantage—both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the race as Leans Democratic.
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Let’s be honest, we didn’t need a national list to tell us this. New Jersey has the best restaurants, the best food, and some of the most talented chefs anywhere in America.
It’s something locals have been saying forever, and now the rest of the country is catching up. Still, it’s always nice to see that recognition on a big stage.
We Already Knew New Jersey Was the Best
USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year list highlights standout dining destinations across the country.
From humble roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots earning major buzz, the list celebrates places that truly stand out, and New Jersey showed up in a big way.
Three New Jersey Spots Earn National Recognition
This year, three Garden State restaurants made the prestigious list:
- The Pasta Shop – Denville
- Ram & Rooster – Metuchen
- Anjelica’s – Sea Bright
And yes, that includes a Jersey Shore favorite, because of course it does.
These restaurants represent everything people love about dining in New Jersey, quality, creativity, and flavors that keep you coming back.
A Jersey Shore Standout Shines
There’s something special about seeing a Jersey Shore restaurant included among the best in America. It’s not just about great food, it’s about the full experience, the atmosphere, and that unmistakable local charm.
Anjelica’s in Sea Bright earning a spot only reinforces what shore locals already know: some of the best meals you’ll ever have are right here, close to home.
No Surprise, Just Well-Deserved
At the end of the day, this recognition feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. New Jersey’s food scene has always been top-tier, and lists like this just make it official.
Keep Reading: Beloved New Jersey Restaurant is Closing
So whether you’re heading to Denville, Metuchen, or down the shore, you already know, you’re in for something special.
PHOTOS: Step Inside a 1970s Kitchen — 34 Things You’ll Recognize
From Tupperware jugs (you know the ones) to those ever-present knife sharpeners, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the quintessential ’70s kitchen.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
If You Grew Up in the ’70s and ’80s, These Foods Were Super Fancy
From Babybels to Toblerone chocolate, take a nostalgic bite out of these ‘fancy’ childhood foods that made us feel way more elegant than we really were.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
FIFA and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have become embroiled in a war of words this past week as the prospect of $150 train tickets to travel to World Cup games and plans to close parts of New York’s Penn Station have angered residents.
The recent uproar began after reports surfaced April 6 that parts of Penn Station would be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games for four hours before kickoff during the eight matches at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
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Moreover, round-trip train tickets between Penn Station in Manhattan and MetLife Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup is set to be played, were announced by NJ Transit to come in at $150 per person.
A return ride on the same line typically costs $12.90, according to NJ Transit.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026.
In a press release on April 17, Sherrill said the move to increase prices was caused by FIFA’s decision to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium. The Democratic governor said price increases happened because FIFA did not agree to cover the costs of transporting fans.
“We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won’t, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day,” Sherrill said.
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More: Going to World Cup at MetLife Stadium? Expect $150 train tickets and no parking
FIFA, on the other hand, has said the price increase would have a “chilling effect” on fans attending games in New Jersey and said Sherrill’s demands asking FIFA to absorb transportation costs for fans were “unprecedented.”
“Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup,” Heimo Schirgi, COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The NJ Transit logo is seen in the lobby of the New Jersey Transit headquarters ahead of a press briefing on the New York/New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026 regional mobility plan in Newark, New Jersey on April 17, 2026.
What are other cities doing with World Cup transportation?
New Jersey has not been the only place where transportation costs have been the subject of discussion ahead of the World Cup. In Boston, round-trip train train tickets on the MBTA from Boston’s South Station to Gillette Stadium are being sold for $80.
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Special event trains to Foxborough for New England Patriots NFL games and New England Revolution MLS matches are usually $20 for a round trip, according to local news station CBS Boston.
Other cities have not seen increases like the ones in New Jersey and Boston. In Atlanta, for example, train fares on the city’s MARTA will be $2.50 per ride, with children able to travel for free with a paying adult.
Kansas City is offering $15 round-trip shuttle rides for fans parking in four different park-and-ride locations, as well as those coming from FIFA’s Fan Festival in the city. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is offering fans a $3.50 round trip train ticket on its Metro Train.
SEPTA in Philadelphia is also keeping its prices low, with fans set to pay the base $2.90 fare for a ride on its Broad Street Line, which takes riders to Lincoln Financial Field, set to host six matches.
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Katie Sobko from USA TODAY Network’s NorthJersey.com contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup fans going to MetLife Stadium to pay $150 for NJT ticket
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