As New Jersey’s gubernatorial race approaches its final days, both major party candidates are leveraging strong early voting numbers to rally support. Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli are both pointing to enthusiastic turnout as a key indicator of potential success. Sherrill declared the early voting results as “really great news,” showcasing her confidence after a meet-and-greet event. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli noted a historic return of Republican mail-in ballots, indicating his campaign’s momentum.

The stakes in New Jersey are high, with only two states—New Jersey and Virginia—holding gubernatorial elections in the year following a presidential election. This positions their races under national scrutiny. So far, over 800,000 votes have been cast for the Garden State’s upcoming election. Mail-in voting accounts for most of this, but the number of people who turned out for early in-person voting has already surpassed the totals from the previous election cycle.

Sherrill, a veteran and former prosecutor, highlighted her campaign’s early advantage as a positive indicator, noting the trend aligns with past election patterns. Conversely, Ciattarelli claimed that his campaign is matching Sherrill’s turnout efforts, stating, “we’re in great shape.” His focus on energy and voter turnout underscores the competitive nature of this race, suggesting that the final result may hinge on voter motivation as Election Day draws closer.

In a race characterized by high stakes, the candidates are focused on energizing their respective bases. Ciattarelli expressed confidence, citing support in minority communities and endorsements from notable figures as indicators of a favorable outcome. Not to be outdone, Sherrill is teaming up with prominent Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama, to bolster enthusiasm among her supporters in the final days of campaigning.

Both candidates have utilized high-profile surrogates to galvanize their campaigns. Sherrill’s partnership with figures like Pete Buttigieg suggests an attempt to attract undecided voters and solidify Democratic support. Ciattarelli’s strategy also includes support from key Trump allies, aiming to energize the Republican base. He remarked on the benefits of such endorsements, referencing the importance of mobilizing low-propensity voters who might skip midterm elections.

Despite the favorable early voting numbers for Democrats, the historical context shows that Republicans can be competitive in New Jersey’s gubernatorial races. Ciattarelli’s previous close loss to incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy points to his potential to challenge the status quo. The shifts in voter sentiment, particularly after Trump’s performance in the last presidential election, add layers to this dynamic contest.

As Trump’s influence continues to loom over the election, both candidates are navigating their associations carefully. Ciattarelli’s acknowledgment of Trump’s policies as commendable contrasts with Sherrill’s critique of their impact on New Jersey’s cost of living. This tension reflects broader national themes as local races become referendums on Trump’s leadership and its effects.

The candidates’ varying approaches to addressing Trump’s legacy speak volumes about their campaign strategies. Sherrill seeks to distance herself from the president’s influence, positioning Ciattarelli’s support for Trump as a liability. Ciattarelli, while embracing Trump’s endorsement, attempts to frame his campaign as a viable New Jersey-focused initiative, presenting a challenge to Sherrill’s narrative.

With just days until Election Day, voter turnout remains critical. Both Sherrill and Ciattarelli are focusing their efforts on engaging and mobilizing their bases. The contrast in their strategies suggests that while early voting has favored Sherrill, the energy and turnout on Election Day may still lead to a neck-and-neck finish, keeping anticipation high in the lead-up to a potentially historical end to New Jersey’s gubernatorial race.