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The past year has been one of the most tumultuous in recent history in political matters.
There was a wild presidential campaign that not only saw the incumbent president withdraw from the race, but the Republican candidate – and former president – survived two assassination attempts.
Add in the typical back-and-forth that happens between the two parties – supercharged by the 24-hour news cycle and social media, and 2024 has been a huge year for politics.
Don’t expect 2025 to slow down one bit.
Here are some things to watch for as the calendar reverses:
- Gov. Phil Murphy is entering the home stretch of his eight years at the helm of Trenton. As his term draws to a close, the impact of his work – and his legacy – hangs in the balance. In addition to a final state budget, he must consider projects such as the FIFA World Cup FIFA 2026 and the nation’s semi-fiftieth anniversary (i.e. America’s 250th anniversary) before moving on.
- While Murphy’s days in the Statehouse are numbered, primary battles are underway in both parties to succeed him. The Democratic field now includes Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer; Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop; former state Senate President Steve Sweeney; and Sean Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association. Former state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli is vying for the Republican nomination; State Senator Jon Bramnick; former state Sen. Ed Durr; and radio personality Bill Spadea.
- Murphy has already asked to tighten their belts as state departments prepare for the FY 2026 budget process in the spring. Things to watch include the oft-funded but yet-to-be-implemented StayNJ, as well as the state pension program and school funding formula.
- Although the finish line of the 2025 runoff will be the gubernatorial race, all 80 seats in the state Assembly will also be in play. The Assembly has 52 Democrats and 28 Republicans.
- The new Trump administration will likely have a trickle-down effect on New Jersey’s political landscape, but high-profile legislation regarding support for Ukraine, reproductive rights, and state and local tax breaks will remain campaign issues for the state’s federal delegation as bills are passed. is expected to pass Congress before the 2026 midterm elections.