Poll Showed New Jersey Governor Approval Ratings
A new Rutgers-Eagleton survey indicated mixed support for Governor Mikie Sherrill following a recent ethics scandal.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections
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Governor Mikie Sherrill holds a 44% job approval rating among New Jersey adults, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton poll conducted late last month. Despite the approval rating, 43% of residents surveyed believe the state is currently on the wrong track.
Why it matters
The findings reflect public reaction to the resignation of former Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who stepped down after an independent review concluded he violated state ethics policies.
The survey results included a 4.1% margin of error for the 1,004 adults polled. Residents expressed a 39% favorability toward the Governor, while 24% of respondents viewed President Donald Trump favorably.
The players
Mikie Sherrill
She is the current Governor of New Jersey.
Dale Caldwell
He is the former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey who resigned following an ethics investigation.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
The details
Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed expressed approval for the Governor's management of the situation surrounding the departure of Dale Caldwell. The poll also highlighted that 34% of adults disapprove of the Governor's general job performance.
Timeline
September 24-27, 2026: Rutgers-Eagleton conducted the statewide poll.
September 26, 2026: Dale Caldwell resigned as Lieutenant Governor.
March 2026: The governor's previous approval and favorability ratings were recorded.
Political Context
Opponents of the administration may argue that the ethics investigation into Dale Caldwell highlights deeper internal issues within the executive branch. Dissenting voices often point to such scandals to contrast the Governor's performance against the broader trajectory of state governance under the New Jersey's Uniform Ethics Code.
The poll suggests a significant portion of the public remains critical of the state's direction, which could influence upcoming legislative priorities and campaign strategies. Citizens may see increased transparency requirements as the administration attempts to move past the ethics scandal.
The takeaway
Maintaining public trust remains a central challenge for the administration following high-profile ethics investigations. Residents should monitor upcoming policy shifts to see if the Governor successfully redirects the state toward a more favorable track.
Further reading
For additional context on the state's political climate, visit the New Jersey Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRNJ Radio.
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Do you believe New Jersey is currently moving in the right direction?
