Is a long-time blue state finally warming up to Trump and MAGA? Seems like it.
Voters in one of America’s bluest states are sending shockwaves through the political world — New Jersey residents now rate President Donald J. Trump higher than their own Democrat governor. After years of crushing taxes, skyrocketing energy bills, and the failed policies of the Left, Garden State families are saying enough is enough.
Trump Outshines Governor Murphy
A brand-new Emerson College poll shows Trump with a 41% approval rating in New Jersey, beating out Governor Phil Murphy’s dismal 35% approval rating. For a governor who once bragged about progressive leadership, the numbers tell a different story: voters are furious over the cost of living and relentless economic pressure.
Even though Trump carries a higher disapproval rating (51%) compared to Murphy (44%), the poll shows voters are more willing to give Trump a second look than continue down the same Democrat-controlled path. Over 20% of respondents said they had “no opinion” of Murphy — proof that his legacy is fading fast.
The Governor’s Race: A Dead Heat
This year’s gubernatorial matchup is razor close. Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are tied at 43% each. Both candidates are framing the race around Trump and Murphy: Sherrill warns about Trump’s influence, while Ciattarelli reminds voters of Murphy’s crushing tax hikes, failed energy policies, and unaffordable housing market.
Economy Tops the List of Voter Concerns
For New Jersey families, the economy is the number-one issue by far. A majority — 51% of voters — said the economy is their top concern heading into November. Only “threats to democracy” (13%) and housing affordability (11%) cracked double digits.
Murphy is taking direct blame for New Jersey’s punishing costs:
- 21% of voters say he is responsible for the nation’s highest property taxes.
- 22% blame him for sky-high energy bills.
- Only the state’s utility companies (30%) scored worse.
These numbers prove that voters feel the squeeze of Bidenomics and Murphy’s mismanagement every time they pay their bills.
Is New Jersey Ready for a Red Wave?
New Jersey hasn’t voted Republican for president since 1988, but Trump has already cracked the firewall. In 2024, he lost to Kamala Harris by just 5.9 points — the closest race in more than 30 years. Compare that to past blowouts, and the momentum is undeniable.
Even more telling, voters are evenly split on how they want their next governor to deal with Washington:
- 49% want cooperation with Trump
- 51% want resistance to Trump
For a state once considered deep blue, that kind of division is nothing short of historic.
The Bottom Line
New Jersey voters are tired of broken promises and failed Democrat leadership. With Trump outperforming the sitting governor, the cracks in the Left’s hold on the Garden State are getting bigger by the day. The message is clear: families want relief from soaring taxes, out-of-control bills, and the economic disaster of Bidenomics.
The Emerson College/PIX11/The Hill poll surveyed 935 likely voters on Sept. 22–23, with a margin of error of ±3.1%.
