Residents are already voting, and in days we will know the results of the gubernatorial election. The stakes could not be higher for our state’s economic future. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce urges our members – and all New Jerseyans – to take a close look at the economic records and plans of both candidates.
And vote!
This election presents an opportunity to reset our state’s priorities and chart a course toward long-term growth and fiscal stability. New Jersey needs dramatic change in many areas related to its economy and business climate. Our economic competitiveness has slipped significantly in recent years. In CNBC’s Top States for Business rankings, we fell from No. 19 in 2023 to No. 30 in 2025, including a troubling No. 49 ranking in Business Friendliness. Meanwhile, state spending has grown by nearly 70% since 2016, and structural budget deficits loom on the horizon.
Likely voters are not pleased with the state’s direction. According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton poll, more than half of likely voters say New Jersey is on the wrong track, with taxes and affordability topping the list of the most important problems facing the state.
The new governor must tackle these challenges with a sense of urgency. Time is running out to turn New Jersey back toward a path of vibrant economic competitiveness. We must once again become a desired destination for businesses of all sizes. To do that, the state must leverage its enormous base of undeniable assets – our location, workforce, educational institutions, and innovation ecosystem – to reclaim our place as the economic powerhouse we are capable of being. For years we have continued to fall behind our competitor states. We must reverse that immediately.
The next administration must make strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and attracting investment its top priorities – or risk New Jersey being left behind by states that are more welcoming to business and more disciplined in fiscal management. In your evaluation of candidates, please consider the one who can challenge the very mediocre status quo we are mired in – and who has the courage to attack our economic priorities head-on so we can make real progress.
The Chamber does not endorse candidates, but we do encourage all our members to be informed voters. Before you head to the polls, take the time to review where each candidate – Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli – stands on the issues that matter most to our state’s competitiveness: job creation, tax policy, workforce development, infrastructure, and regulatory reform.
We also invite you to read the New Jersey Chamber’s 2025 Priorities for Growth and Stability – a policy roadmap shared with both candidates. This report outlines practical steps to build a stronger, more competitive, and more inclusive economy, including:
- Create a Department of Commerce to centralize and streamline all state economic development efforts.
- Reenergize the state’s Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission to identify outdated or overly burdensome regulations.
- Modernize our transportation and energy infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reliability.
- Invest in education and workforce training that align with the demands of tomorrow’s industries.
- Pursue health care policies that keep coverage affordable while maintaining flexibility for employers.
- Rein in government spending and restore fiscal accountability.
- Foster civil discourse and bipartisan cooperation to achieve lasting results.
New Jersey stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make in this election will shape the business climate – and the opportunities available – for years to come. We can achieve the prosperity we deserve if we elect the right leader, one who recognizes the urgency of this moment and acts boldly to restore New Jersey’s economic strength.
Be informed. Make your voice heard. Vote for New Jersey’s economic future.