Sherrill says ‘New Jersey is a blue state’ despite tight gubernatorial race

New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill insisted Saturday that her state is a Democratic stronghold ahead of a campaign event with former President Barack Obama, in an apparent rejection of Republican momentum there.

“New Jersey is not a red state. I love you guys, but New Jersey is not a red state,” Sherrill told supporters Saturday as she remains in contention with Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli as Election Day approaches.

“I have even better news, guys. New Jersey is not a purple state… New Jersey is a blue state! It’s true. It’s true. I’ve seen the poll numbers, guys. I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it. So when we vote, we win,” Sherrill added. “Let’s get out every vote and show them the power of work!”

A recent Fox News poll of likely New Jersey voters placed Sherill ahead of Ciattarelli 52% to 45% heading into the final days of the campaign. His seven-point lead is just outside the poll’s margin of sampling error. Earlier this month, Sherrill was ahead by five points, and in September, she had an 8-point lead.

FOX NEWS POLL: SHERRILL LEADS CIATTARELLI IN NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR’S RACE

Mikie Sherrill, left, and Jack Ciattarelli, right, face off in the hotly contested race to become New Jersey’s next governor. Former President Barack Obama, center, campaigns for Sherrill on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Seth Wenig/AP; Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images; Frank Franklin II/AP)

Among those who say they are extremely enthusiastic about voting this year, Ciattarelli is ahead by five points — but among those who are extremely or very enthusiastic, it’s Sherrill by four points. Indeed, more Republicans feel extremely enthusiastic (52%) than Democrats (40%).

Obama is expected in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday afternoon to campaign for Abigal Spanberger, a former House Democrat who is facing Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the gubernatorial race.

The former president will then travel to Newark, New Jersey, for an event with Sherrill later Saturday. Obama supported both candidates.

OBAMA THE ‘FIRMER CAMPAIGN’ FOR DEMOCRATS IN 2025 ELECTION AS PARTY AIMS TO BOUNCE BACK

New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill poses for photos with supporters while campaigning in Bloomfield, New Jersey, October 28, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Sherrill also criticized President Donald Trump during his campaign event Saturday morning in New Jersey, saying, “We are dealing with a president of the United States who is destroying jobs, who is destroying our economy, who is running a global extortion racket so he can charge us more money while pocketing billions of dollars.” »

“That’s not the way we want to run New Jersey. That’s not the case: We don’t want a king. That’s right. That’s true. That’s why I’m running for governor,” Sherrill added.

Republican New Jersey Governor Jack Ciattarelli speaks with voters at a restaurant in Robbinsville, New Jersey on October 29, 2025. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)

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“It’s not too much to ask to invest in workers. It’s not too much to ask to get a good wage. And so I have to tell you, everything is on the line here. There are only two states in the country with these races. New Jersey and Virginia,” Sherrill said.

Dana Blanton of Fox News contributed to this report.