The 2021 NJ Gubernatorial Electionm A Contest between Incumbent Governor Phil Murphy and Former LD-16 Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli was one that resulted in the first Dem NJ Governor to be reelected in 44 years since Brendan Byrne's 1977 Reelection.
What was believed to be a sleepy election where Murphy would Cruise, the Democrat's national downturn in electoral furtunes ended up narrowing the election in the normally blue state.
To this effect, Jack Ciattarelli spending $16.3 Million to Murphy's 16.7 Million, and Focusing on the age old issues of NJ's Taxes, his charge on how Murphy's COVID-19 Safety mandates "Undermined personal liberty",
and the existing controvercy of teaching about systemic racism in the US Proved to be usefull lightning rods in helping Ciattarelli come close to winning.
These attacks were almost successful despite Phil Murphy having a moderate approval rating in state surveys, especially with regards to his COVID-19 response.
Notably, in advertisements, Ciattarelli's campaign focused on a 2019 Comment made by Mr. Murphy which was "If you’re a one-issue voter and tax rate is your issue ... we’re probably not your state.”
However, in the end, New Jersey was simply too blue for the 2021 Red wave to allow Ciattarelli to oust Phil Murphy - with the partisan lean of the state allowing him an aditional four years in the state capital.
In his victory, Murphy won 6/12 Congressional Districts to Ciattarelli's 6/12 CDs, 10/21 Counties to Ciattarelli's 11/21, and 24/40 State Legislative Districts to Ciattarelli's 16/40 SLDs