New Poll Shows Voters Wary of NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill

Many constituents still forming opinions on new governor's agenda

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:52am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting the New Jersey State House building in soft, warm light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the new governor's agenda.The cautious outlook of many New Jersey voters towards the new Sherrill administration casts a pensive shadow over the state's political landscape.Paramus Today

A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll shows that while New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is enjoying high approval ratings early in her first term, a significant number of voters remain unsure about her and are taking a 'wait-and-see' approach to her leadership and policy agenda.

Why it matters

As a new governor, Sherrill faces the challenge of building trust and support among a sizable portion of voters who are still undecided about her. The poll results suggest she will need to work to clearly communicate her vision and priorities to win over skeptical constituents in the coming months and years.

The details

The Rutgers-Eagleton poll found that Sherrill has a 45% approval rating, with her strongest support coming from Democrats and unaffiliated voters. However, more than a quarter of those surveyed said they have no opinion of the new governor. Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, said 'many of her constituents are still forming an opinion' and that 'the real test will come as New Jerseyans see more of what she can deliver'.

  • The Rutgers-Eagleton poll was conducted in early April 2026, just 2.5 months into Sherrill's first term as governor.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The newly elected Democratic governor of New Jersey.

Ashley Koning

The director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, which conducted the poll on Sherrill's approval ratings.

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What they’re saying

“Many of her constituents are still forming an opinion. The real test will come as New Jerseyans see more of what she can deliver.”

— Ashley Koning, Director, Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling

The takeaway

As a new governor, Mikie Sherrill faces the challenge of building trust and support among a sizable portion of New Jersey voters who remain unsure about her leadership and policy agenda. She will need to work to clearly communicate her vision and priorities in the coming months to win over these skeptical constituents.