The 2026 New Jersey Democratic Governor’s Race: What the Candidates Are Promising for the Future

As the June 10, 2025, Democratic primary for New Jersey governor approaches, voters are closely examining the six candidates, Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill, Sean Spiller, and Stephen Sweeney, based on their policy proposals and visions for the state's future. While they share common goals, such as improving public transportation and addressing affordability, their approaches to taxation, immigration, housing, education, and infrastructure reveal stark differences.

Taxation and Affordability

New Jersey's high cost of living is a significant concern, and each candidate presents a different strategy to address taxation and affordability:

• Josh Gottheimer prioritizes tax relief for middle-class families, proposing a 15% property tax cut alongside a $500 annual rebate for renters. He plans to fund these initiatives by reducing government waste, increasing federal aid allocations to New Jersey, and fostering private-sector partnerships to boost economic growth. Gottheimer argues that smart spending and cutting bureaucratic inefficiencies can maintain essential services while lowering tax burdens.
• Stephen Sweeney supports targeted tax cuts but warns against overreliance on federal funding, advocating for state-driven solutions. He proposes a comprehensive fiscal reform package that includes a mix of property tax relief, affordable housing investment, and wasteful spending elimination. Sweeney also highlights his experience working with bipartisan coalitions to pass pragmatic economic policies.
• Sean Spiller broadens the affordability debate beyond taxation, emphasizing that healthcare and daycare costs are central to financial strain. He advocates for expanding state-subsidized childcare, lowering prescription drug costs through state-negotiated pricing, and increasing tax credits for working families. Spiller asserts that addressing these expenses will provide long-term relief for middle- and low-income residents.
• Ras Baraka pushes for a more progressive taxation system, proposing a 2% tax increase for individuals earning over $10 million and the repeal of corporate tax breaks enacted under former Governor Chris Christie. He argues that additional tax revenue should be reinvested into social programs, healthcare, and education to improve economic mobility and close wealth gaps across the state.
• Steve Fulop supports tax bracket adjustments to reflect modern economic realities. He also proposes eliminating select tax incentives that disproportionately benefit large corporations while shifting benefits toward small businesses and middle-income earners. Fulop’s plan includes targeted tax cuts for first-time homebuyers and incentives for municipalities to lower property taxes.
• Mikie Sherrill focuses on easing the tax burden for working families and seniors by advocating for reinstating the whole State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. She supports property tax relief programs and expanding access to affordable housing. Sherrill also emphasizes responsible budgeting and bipartisan solutions to ensure New Jersey remains affordable for living and retiring.

Immigration

The candidates offer contrasting views on immigration policy and the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters:

• Ras Baraka and Steve Fulop support the Immigrant Trust Act, which limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities. They advocate for policies that protect undocumented immigrants from unjust deportation and support pathways to legal residency for those contributing to the state economy. Both oppose the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention for undocumented individuals accused of theft-related crimes, arguing that it unfairly targets marginalized communities.
• Josh Gottheimer takes a more conservative stance, having voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act. He asserts that undocumented individuals convicted of serious crimes should face deportation but oppose indiscriminate raids or policies that instill fear in immigrant communities. He also supports strengthening visa programs to address labor shortages in key industries.
• Stephen Sweeney aligns with Gottheimer, advocating for strict measures against undocumented individuals who commit crimes while proposing to repeal New Jersey's "sanctuary state" status. He argues that increased state-level enforcement is necessary to maintain law and order while supporting legal immigration pathways.
• Mikie Sherrill emphasizes comprehensive immigration reform. She supports a path to citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients while also advocating for increased border security. She proposes expanding state-funded legal aid for immigrants facing deportation and developing programs to integrate immigrants into the workforce.
• Sean Spiller focuses on humane treatment and systemic reforms, arguing for a federal-state partnership to address immigration issues. He supports expanding access to healthcare and education for undocumented immigrants and creating state-funded legal assistance programs.

Housing

Affordable housing remains a critical issue, with candidates proposing different strategies to increase housing availability and affordability:

• Ras Baraka proposes doubling the state's housing production within two years, prioritizing transit-oriented development. He supports rent stabilization measures and incentives for developers to build low- and middle-income housing. He also suggests providing grants for college students to cover living expenses, reducing the likelihood of young professionals leaving the state.
• Steve Fulop focuses on expanding affordable housing projects through state-backed financing initiatives and reforming tax credit programs that support low-income housing development. He also calls for stricter enforcement of tenant protection laws to prevent exploitative rent increases.
• Stephen Sweeney advocates for a balanced approach, combining public-private partnerships to expand affordable housing stock while encouraging homeownership through first-time buyer assistance programs.
• Josh Gottheimer emphasizes expanding homeownership opportunities by increasing federal funding for first-time homebuyer assistance and revitalizing underdeveloped areas through public-private partnerships. He also supports easing zoning restrictions to accelerate housing development while ensuring protections against predatory lending practices.
• Mikie Sherrill advocates for expanding access to affordable housing by pushing for increased federal investment in housing programs and infrastructure. She supports strengthening protections for renters, expanding property tax relief, and incentivizing municipalities to build mixed-income housing developments near job centers and public transit.
• Sean Spiller prioritizes tenant protections and rental affordability, proposing stronger rent control measures and increased funding for rental assistance programs. He also emphasizes expanding affordable housing near schools and public services to support working families and reduce commuting burdens.

Education

Education is a priority for all candidates, but their approaches vary significantly:

• Sean Spiller, a former teacher and NJEA president, emphasizes strengthening public education by increasing funding, reducing classroom sizes, and ensuring competitive salaries for educators. He also proposes expanding universal pre-K and providing free community college for qualifying students.
• Stephen Sweeney supports comprehensive education reform, advocating for increased investment in K-12 education while expanding vocational and technical training programs to prepare students for the workforce.
• Steve Fulop aims to build on New Jersey’s existing success in public education while reshaping higher education policies to make college more affordable. He also prioritizes expanding special needs education and mental health services in schools.
• Ras Baraka proposes creating unified school districts to promote equity and reduce disparities between wealthier and lower-income areas. He also suggests implementing diversity bonuses for schools that expand enrollment to include a broader range of students.
• Josh Gottheimer advocates for increased federal funding for public schools, emphasizing STEM education, vocational training, and school safety initiatives. He also supports expanding broadband access and classroom technology to bridge the digital divide for students in underserved communities.
• Mikie Sherrill focuses on securing more resources for public schools, advocating for universal pre-K and expanded special education programs. She also supports reducing student loan debt by expanding federal loan forgiveness programs for educators and public service workers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Steve Fulop proposes a reverse congestion pricing toll for New York drivers entering New Jersey, using the revenue to fund local transportation projects and reduce congestion on major highways.
• Josh Gottheimer strongly opposes New York’s congestion pricing toll for drivers entering Midtown Manhattan, calling it "utterly absurd" and harmful to New Jersey motorists. He supports increased federal infrastructure funding to expand public transit and modernize roads and bridges.
• Ras Baraka emphasizes the importance of public transit expansion, advocating for increased investments in NJ Transit to improve reliability and affordability for low-income commuters.
• Mikie Sherrill prioritizes securing federal infrastructure funding to modernize New Jersey’s transportation network, including repairs to roads, bridges, and NJ Transit. She supports expanding commuter rail services and reducing transit costs to ease congestion and improve accessibility.
• Stephen Sweeney advocates for a long-term infrastructure investment plan that balances road maintenance with mass transit improvements. He supports dedicated funding for NJ Transit and proposes a bipartisan approach to securing additional federal and state resources for transportation projects.
• Sean Spiller focuses on expanding public transit options, including increasing bus and rail services to underserved areas. He also supports investments in sustainable infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging stations and bike-friendly urban planning, to reduce reliance on cars and lower emissions.

Crime and Law Enforcement

New Jersey’s candidates present distinct strategies for addressing crime, policing, and public safety.

• Josh Gottheimer advocates for increasing federal funding for local police departments to enhance community policing efforts and officer training. He supports stricter penalties for violent crimes and gun trafficking while also promoting investments in mental health resources to prevent crime before it happens.
• Mikie Sherrill emphasizes a balanced approach to public safety, supporting law enforcement funding and criminal justice reform. She advocates for stronger gun control measures, expanded community policing initiatives, and increased resources for crime prevention programs, particularly in underserved communities.
• Stephen Sweeney focuses on supporting law enforcement with improved training and resources while advocating for reforms to reduce recidivism. He supports initiatives that enhance cooperation between local and state law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
• Sean Spiller prioritizes police accountability and transparency, proposing reforms such as enhanced de-escalation training and independent oversight for misconduct cases. He also emphasizes investing in violence prevention programs, youth outreach initiatives, and alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
• Steve Fulop supports modernizing policing strategies through technology, such as body cameras and data-driven crime prevention. He also advocates for criminal justice reforms, including expungement programs for low-level offenses and expanded rehabilitation efforts to reduce repeat offenses.
• Ras Baraka promotes community-based policing and alternatives to incarceration, emphasizing restorative justice initiatives. He advocates for reducing mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent offenses and reallocating funds toward mental health services, addiction treatment, and job training programs to address the root causes of crime.

Social Justice

Candidates offer differing approaches to addressing racial disparities in economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.

• Josh Gottheimer focuses on economic empowerment. He advocates for increased federal funding to support minority-owned businesses, affordable housing, and job training programs in underserved communities. He also supports police reform measures to build trust between law enforcement and communities of color.
• Mikie Sherrill emphasizes expanding access to quality education and healthcare as key to reducing racial disparities. She supports increased funding for historically underfunded school districts, improved maternal healthcare for women of color, and criminal justice reforms aimed at addressing racial bias in policing and sentencing.
• Stephen Sweeney advocates for policies that promote racial equity in the workforce, including expanded apprenticeship and job training programs for minority communities. He supports affordable housing initiatives and efforts to improve healthcare access in historically marginalized areas.
• Sean Spiller prioritizes racial equity in education, calling for more funding for schools in disadvantaged communities, culturally inclusive curricula, and stronger protections against discrimination in hiring and wages. He also supports police accountability measures to address racial bias in law enforcement.
• Steve Fulop focuses on economic and criminal justice reforms, proposing targeted investments in Black and Latino communities to expand homeownership and entrepreneurship. He also supports sentencing reforms and initiatives to reduce racial disparities in the legal system.
• Ras Baraka advocates for bold structural changes to address systemic racism, including expanding affirmative action programs, creating state-funded reparations initiatives, and redirecting law enforcement funds toward community-based violence prevention and mental health services. He also supports eliminating cash bail for non-violent offenders to reduce racial disparities in pretrial detention.

These policy proposals reflect the candidates' diverse approaches to tackling New Jersey’s most pressing issues, providing voters with distinct choices in the upcoming primary election.