New Jersey Governor Race: Latino Voters in Focus Ahead of Election

Passaic County, New Jersey — In the upcoming gubernatorial race, Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill is aiming to regain ground with Latino voters who shifted towards Republicans in 2024. Meanwhile, her GOP opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, is focusing on expanding that support. Both candidates recently campaigned in northern New Jersey, showcasing their efforts to connect with the Latino community.

On October 23, Ciattarelli rallied with Puerto Rico’s Republican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón in Clifton, promoting early voting. The following day, Sherrill held a campaign event in Paterson with Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou, incorporating Spanish into her speech to energize the audience. “Recuerda, este estado no es rojo. No es morado. Es azul,” she declared, emphasizing New Jersey’s Democratic identity.

The race is particularly critical for Democratic leaders as the Latino population, making up nearly 22% of New Jersey residents, significantly influences local elections. Notably, Passaic County has a Latino population of about 43%, the highest in the state. Despite Trump’s loss in 2020, he has made notable gains among Latino voters, and the outcomes here could reshape strategies for both parties.

“We will make the difference,” said Patricia Campos-Medina, a vice chair of Sherrill’s campaign, referring to Latino voters as vital in this election year. In Passaic, where over 70% of residents identify as Hispanic, Trump’s popularity surged, complicating traditional voting patterns.

Kenny Gonzalez, spokesperson for the New Jersey Republican State Committee, highlighted Trump’s appeal, noting Ciattarelli’s need for support from Hispanic Democrats. “So many Democrats are leaving the Democrat Party simply because the Democrat Party has gone too far left,” Gonzalez said.

The dynamics of the Latino vote are underscored by candidate support. While Ciattarelli acknowledges Trump’s influence and aims to retain those voters, Sherrill counters by investing in small businesses and reducing living costs, key issues resonating with the community. “We’ve worked every minority community hard all across the state,” Ciattarelli said.

Some Latino voters like Leonardo Pomales expressed their priorities: “The taxes, the electric bills, and the schools, that’s what matters to me.” Pomales, who previously voted for Clinton but switched to Trump, cited a desire for effective governance.

In contrast, some Democrats worry the shift towards Trump reflects a fracture within the community. Juan Arroyo, a retired teacher, expressed fear that support for Republicans could grow again, criticizing the rhetoric on immigration. “Saying that Hispanic people came to this country because they just want to grab jobs from others, that’s not true,” Arroyo stated.

The significance of this election has not gone unnoticed, with the Department of Justice recently announcing it would monitor voting in Passaic County due to alleged vote-by-mail fraud. New Jersey’s Attorney General condemned this move, viewing it as an effort to intimidate voters. “The Trump Department of Justice’s announcement is highly inappropriate,” he said. The results in Passaic County may determine whether Democrats maintain control of the governor’s office or if Ciattarelli’s Republican alignment leads the state.