Former Democratic leader Steve Sweeney has announced his bid for the governor of New Jersey in the 2025 election. Sweeney served as the state Senate president from 2010 to 2022, losing his reelection bid in 2021. His campaign was widely expected, and he is not the only Democrat in the race, as Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is also seeking to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy.
In a video announcement, Sweeney emphasized his career history as an ironworker, labor leader, and legislator, stating that his daughter’s birth, who has Down syndrome, inspired him to seek public office. Sweeney has expressed his commitment to putting New Jersey’s kids, working families, and seniors first.
Fulop, while welcoming Sweeney to the race, referred to him as a more “conservative” Democrat due to his past rapport with Republican Governor Christie. However, Sweeney’s track record includes Democratic policy victories, such as higher minimum wage, paid family leave, and the legalization of recreational marijuana during his time as Senate president.
Both Sweeney and Fulop are expected to be well-funded candidates, given that the Democrats currently have approximately 1 million more registered voters than Republicans in New Jersey. Although the GOP has had success in governor’s races in the past, Murphy became the first Democratic governor in over 40 years to win a second consecutive term. Former Republican Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli, whom Murphy defeated in 2021, has also expressed plans to run for his party’s nomination in 2025.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcnewyork.com
