With voting underway in New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to closely examine the economic policies and records of both candidates before casting their ballots. The organization emphasized the importance of this election for the state’s economic future.
President and CEO Tom Bracken stated, “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!”
Bracken noted that New Jersey’s economic competitiveness has declined in recent years. The state dropped from 19th place in 2023 to 30th in 2025 in CNBC’s Top States for Business rankings, with a particularly low ranking in Business Friendliness. He also pointed out that state spending has increased by nearly 70% since 2016, with structural budget deficits becoming a concern.
A recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows that more than half of likely voters believe New Jersey is on the wrong track, citing taxes and affordability as the most significant issues facing the state.
Bracken called on the next governor to address these challenges urgently. “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.”
He added, “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 reiterated that it does not endorse candidates but encourages informed voting. Bracken urged members and residents to review where each candidate—Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli—stands on issues such as job creation, tax policy, workforce development, infrastructure, and regulatory reform.
The Chamber also released its “2025 Priorities for Growth and Stability,” a policy roadmap shared with both candidates. The report recommends creating a Department of Commerce to centralize economic development efforts, revitalizing regulatory review commissions, modernizing infrastructure, investing in education and workforce training, pursuing affordable health care policies for employers, restoring fiscal accountability through reduced government spending, and promoting bipartisan cooperation.
“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,” Bracken said.
“Be informed. Make your voice heard. Vote for New Jersey’s economic future.”
