Republican candidates running for New Jersey governor in 2025 face a difficult path, as a growing majority of Garden State voters disapprove of President Donald Trump, according to a new Stockton University poll.
The survey found that 54% of New Jersey voters believe the country is on the wrong track, while only 37% say it is headed in the right direction. A majority of respondents, 52%, rated Trump’s presidency as “poor,” with only 26% saying he has done an “excellent” job. Economic concerns remain a major issue, with 62% of voters believing the economy is worsening, compared to just 30% who say it is improving. The pessimism spans party lines, with 94% of Democrats, 59% of Independents, and even 21% of Republicans expressing a negative economic outlook.
“The economy was a central theme of Trump’s campaign, and eight weeks into his administration, this level of pessimism is a major vulnerability,” said Alyssa Maurice, Head of Research at the Hughes Center.
Trump’s approval ratings in New Jersey remain deeply negative, with 55% of voters disapproving of him, compared to 44% who approve at least somewhat. Senator J.D. Vance and business mogul Elon Musk also have high disapproval ratings, with 53% and 59% of voters viewing them unfavorably, respectively.
While discontent with Republican figures is apparent, congressional Democrats are also losing support within their own party. While 83% of Republicans approve of their representatives in Congress, only 34% of Democrats approve of their party’s leadership, and a majority of Democrats, 63%, disapprove of congressional leaders.
“Voters may not be happy with the Republican administration, but the Democratic Party is struggling even more,” Maurice noted. “Many voters citing threats to democracy as a top concern also expressed disappointment in their own party’s response.”
When asked about the most pressing issue facing the nation, 35% of voters identified the economy, inflation, or cost of living. Other concerns included threats to democracy at 13% and border security and immigration at 9%.
On federal spending, a slim majority of voters, 51%, support reducing government expenditures, but fewer, 45%, support cutting government staffing levels. Even fewer, 36%, approve of how the administration is implementing those reductions. Despite general support for lowering spending, voters favor increased funding for key programs, including Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and education. The only area where a plurality of voters, 48%, supported cuts was foreign aid. Meanwhile, 19% of New Jersey voters reported being personally affected by federal spending reductions.
The poll also examined voter sentiment on policy issues linked to Trump’s agenda. On diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, 56% of voters have a positive view, while 33% believe DEI programs are harmful. There was strong bipartisan agreement on America’s role in world affairs, with 66% supporting the U.S. maintaining an active role internationally. When asked about international alliances, 57% of respondents believe America’s alliances are mutually beneficial, while 24% align with Trump’s view that allies benefit more than the U.S. The idea of annexing new territories like Greenland or Canada is unpopular, with 70% opposing the idea, though 23% support it, including 47% of Republicans.