New Jersey voters aren’t holding back.
In the recent Stockton poll, 58% of voters say the country is headed in the wrong direction while one-third think the country is on the right track.
The poll, of 705 registered voters, was conducted Sept. 25 through Sept. 30 revealed more than two-thirds of New Jersey voters are dissatisfied with the current state of the economy and 39% say their family’s financial situation is worse than it was one year ago.
According to the report, in the fall of 2024 under former President Joe Biden administration, 91% of Republican voters felt the country was headed in the wrong direction and this year with under President Donald Trump administration 89% of Democrats say the country is off course.
“We know cost of living is a key issue for New Jersey voters so one thing that could account for that change is the rise in utility costs,” said Alyssa Maurice, assistant director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy and head of research.
Overall 48% of New Jersey voters said the state is going in the wrong direction while 30% feels it is on the right track — 8 point difference than last year.
Here are some of the findings:
Top issues for 2025 NJ election
Voters were asked if you had to choose one, what is the most important issue to you personally in this year’s election for governor?
Public health
Republicans place more trust in the federal government’s recommendations with 59% saying they’re at least somewhat confident, while 14% of Democrats and 25% of Independents said the same.
President Trump approval rating
56% disapprove of the job he’s doing as president
38% approve of the job he’s doing as president
New Jersey candidates for governor
32% said they have a favorable impression of the Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, while 38% have an unfavorable view.
34% said they view Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill favorably while 35 % have an unfavorable impression.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Will Ciattarelli or Sherrill fix taxes? New Jersey voters hope so