With New Jersey’s high-stakes gubernatorial primary fast approaching, immigration has emerged as a defining issue, exposing stark divisions within the Democratic field and setting the stage for a broader national debate.
The Trump administration’s recent deal to open a 1,000-bed immigration detention center in New Jersey has intensified the conversation, forcing Democratic candidates to take clear positions. While some contenders have aggressively opposed the facility, others have adopted a more measured approach, focusing on economic concerns over immigration policy.
On the Republican side, candidates are largely competing over who will most strongly align with Trump’s border policies, betting that concerns over security and enforcement could help flip a governorship that has remained in Democratic hands since 2018.
A Democratic Field Divided
The six-way Democratic primary to replace term-limited Governor Phil Murphy has become a proving ground for the party’s stance on immigration. The candidates are split between those advocating strong protections for immigrants and sanctuary policies, and those who argue that Democrats must adopt tougher enforcement measures to appeal to centrist voters.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has positioned himself as one of the most outspoken critics of Trump’s immigration policies, speaking at protests against the proposed detention facility and vowing to fight mass deportations. Baraka argues that immigrants’ constitutional rights must be protected, calling for a pathway to citizenship instead of increased detention.
By contrast, former state Senate President Steve Sweeney has distanced himself from sanctuary policies, arguing that Democrats need to “get back to listening to regular people.” He contends that the party’s position on immigration has become too extreme, alienating moderates and blue-collar voters.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a centrist in the race, has taken a nuanced approach. While supporting a pathway to citizenship, he has also backed tighter border security, including the failed bipartisan border deal that Republicans ultimately rejected. He also supported the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention for undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes and theft.
On the progressive end, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has rejected any moves toward stricter immigration enforcement, calling the Laken Riley Act “dangerous” and arguing that it undermines state and local authority.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller has kept his focus on economic issues, though he has called Trump’s crackdown on immigration “unacceptable.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former prosecutor and Navy pilot, has taken a moderate but firm stance—pushing for stronger border security to combat fentanyl trafficking while also advocating for a pathway to citizenship for hardworking immigrants who pay taxes.