[This is first in a series of articles comparing the policy positions of the gubernatorial candidates on transportation infrastructure, water infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and economic development]
The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli presents a clear contrast in transportation infrastructure policy and philosophy. Both candidates recognize the state’s pressing needs—especially regarding NJ Transit and its real estate—but their approaches diverge sharply on investment, priorities, and vision for the future.
Jack Ciattarelli: Fiscal Restraint and Urban Redevelopment
Jack Ciattarelli’s approach is defined by fiscal conservatism, skepticism toward expansive transit spending, and a focus on property tax relief and business incentives. He is critical of what he sees as overdevelopment in suburbs lacking infrastructure and mass transit, and he pledges to rein in government spending.
Key elements of his approach include:
- Capping property taxes and reducing the state’s corporate business tax, with corresponding cuts to state spending.
- Opposing state mandates for affordable housing in suburbs without adequate infrastructure, arguing that current laws force overdevelopment in unsuitable locations.
- Focusing new housing and economic development in urban centers with existing transit and infrastructure, rather than expanding mass transit or building in the suburbs.
- Skepticism toward large-scale transit expansion: Ciattarelli has not prioritized major new investments in NJ Transit or Amtrak, and his platform does not emphasize federal funding or ambitious rail projects.
- Redeveloping NJ Transit land: Like Sherrill, he sees potential in NJ Transit’s property portfolio, but his focus is on maximizing economic returns and revitalizing urban areas, rather than transit-oriented affordable housing.
Ciattarelli’s legislative background is marked by calls for budget cuts, lower taxes, and a more limited government role in infrastructure. He has not championed major transit funding bills and has criticized what he sees as inefficient or excessive spending on mass transit. Instead, he proposes:
- Redirecting state resources to urban revitalization and business development.
- Limiting new infrastructure commitments to what can be supported by existing revenue, rather than seeking large federal appropriations or new state spending.
Mikie Sherrill: Transit-Centered Investment and Federal Leverage
Mikie Sherrill’s platform is built around robust investment in public transportation, climate resilience, and leveraging federal funding for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. As a sitting member of Congress, she has been a vocal advocate for the Gateway Tunnel Project and a principal supporter of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered billions to New Jersey for rail, road, and water projects. Sherrill frames transit investment as both an economic engine and a climate imperative, seeking to improve reliability, affordability, and sustainability across the system.
Key elements of her plan include:
- Securing and deploying federal funds for NJ Transit, Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, and major projects like the Gateway Tunnel.
- Prioritizing mass transit improvements over highway expansions, except where road projects are necessary and environmentally justified.
- Expanding affordable housing and economic development near transit hubs, using NJ Transit’s underutilized land as a catalyst for revitalization.
- Opposing fare hikes and advocating for increased service reliability, particularly for daily commuters.
- Fighting external threats to New Jersey commuters, such as New York’s congestion pricing plan, which she has called a “huge tax on New Jersey commuters” and pledged to challenge in court.
Sherrill’s congressional record underscores her commitment to infrastructure:
- She was a leading advocate for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helping secure funding for 25 passenger rail projects on the Northeast Corridor, including the Gateway Tunnel and Newark Penn Station.
- She has consistently voted for appropriations and legislation that expand transit funding, support union jobs, and promote climate resilience.
- Sherrill has used her platform to highlight the economic benefits of transit investment, linking it to job creation, business growth, and improved quality of life.
Sherrill sees NJ Transit’s underused land as an opportunity for public-private partnerships that prioritize affordable housing and community needs, not just revenue maximization. She argues that activating these sites can drive economic growth and improve quality of life, especially in areas with strong transit access.
Side by Side Comparison
| Issue | Mikie Sherrill | Jack Ciattarelli |
| Transit Investment | Strong advocate for expanded federal and state funding for NJ Transit, Amtrak, and Gateway Tunnel | Skeptical of large-scale transit spending; focuses on cost containment |
| Gateway Tunnel | Principal supporter, helped secure federal funding as a congresswoman | No major advocacy for Gateway; not a campaign focus |
| NJ Transit Real Estate | Prioritizes affordable housing, transit-oriented development, and public-private partnerships | Focuses on maximizing economic returns, urban redevelopment |
| Affordable Housing | Supports building near transit hubs, leveraging NJ Transit land | Opposes state mandates for suburban affordable housing; prefers urban focus |
| Climate and Resilience | Integrates climate resilience and clean energy into infrastructure policy | Less emphasis on climate; focuses on fiscal restraint and infrastructure basics |
| Funding Approach | Seeks to leverage federal funds, supports new investment | Promises tax cuts and budget reductions, limiting new spending |
| Commuter Policy | Opposes fare hikes, fights external costs like NYC congestion pricing | No specific position on fare policy; focus is on cost control |
Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli offer New Jerseyans a clear choice on transportation infrastructure. Sherrill’s approach is investment-driven, pro-transit, and focused on leveraging federal resources and public-private partnerships for long-term growth and climate resilience. Ciattarelli’s vision is rooted in fiscal conservatism, urban redevelopment, and skepticism toward expansive transit spending. The outcome of the election will determine whether New Jersey doubles down on transit investment and climate integration or shifts toward a more restrained, business-centric approach.
Sources
- LightBox. “NJ Transit Land: CRE Opportunity in 2025 Governor Race.” June 19, 2025. https://www.lightboxre.com/insight/nj-transit-land-cre-opportunity-in-2025-governor-race/
- ABC7NY. “Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill talks key issues for New Jersey ahead of governor’s race.” June 2, 2025. https://abc7ny.com/post/nj-governor-candidate-profile-democrat-rep-mikie-sherrill/16633100/
- The New York Times. “Mikie Sherrill Wins the Democratic Primary for Governor of New Jersey.” June 11, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/10/nyregion/nj-democratic-governor.html
- NJ.gov. “Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ – June 13th, 2025.” June 13, 2025. https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562025/approved/20250613a.shtml
- New Jersey Globe. “Mikie Sherrill wants to be the transit, housing, and transparency-obsessed governor.” November 18, 2024. https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/mikie-sherrill-wants-to-be-the-transit-housing-and-transparency-obsessed-governor/
- Axios. “Rep. Mikie Sherrill ‘strongly considering’ bid for N.J. governor.” August 9, 2024. https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/mikie-sherrill-new-jersey-governor
- Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey Governor. “On the Issues.” Accessed July 2025. https://www.mikiesherrill.com/issues
- NJ Spotlight News. “Where do Ciattarelli and Sherrill differ on the issues?” June 11, 2025. https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/republican-and-democratic-nominees-for-nj-governor-different-visions-for-new-jersey/
- Wikipedia. “2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_New_Jersey_gubernatorial_election
