Public Administration
High Voter Turnout Sets Record in New Jersey – Nearly 3.6 million New Jerseyans cast ballots in last week’s Nov. 4 election—representing approximately 54% of registered voters—the highest turnout for a non-presidential election in the state since at least 1998. Of the total, around 114,766 mail-in ballots and 58,998 provisional ballots remain uncounted. Some mail-in ballots may not be counted, either due to defects or ineligible voting. Approximately 2 million New Jersey voters cast ballots in-person on election day. Bergen County had the highest raw number of voters (407,154), and some counties exceeded 60% voter turnout (Hunterdon ~63%, Passaic ~61%, Bergen ~60%). Analysts linked the surge in turnout to national-level political dynamics—including reactions to federal issues—rather than purely state-level campaigns.
New Jersey Department of Labor and Mexican Consulate Partner to Protect Workers’ Rights – On November 6th, during New Jersey’s trade mission to Mexico City, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Consulate of Mexico located in New Brunswick, NJ. The agreement ensures that Mexican workers in NJ can safely report labor violations without fear of retaliation. It includes training, outreach, and educational programs promoting workplace safety and fair treatment. Governor Murphy reaffirmed NJ’s reputation as a leader in worker protections, while Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo emphasized equity and safety for all employees. The consulate’s Head Consul, Mariana Díaz Nagore, called the partnership “a vital lifeline” for the 217,000 NJ residents of Mexican origin. This collaboration strengthens cross-border advocacy and expands worker education across 13 NJ counties. It also reinforces NJ’s stance on protecting immigrant and minority labor populations while promoting economic inclusivity and fair employment standards.
Mikie Sherrill Elected Next Governor of New Jersey; What Happens to Her House Seat? – Last week, Mikie Sherrill was declared the winner of New Jersey’s gubernatorial election and will be sworn in as the Garden State’s 57th governor in January 2026. Gov.-elect Sherrill’s win has in turn triggered another election, this time to fill her seat in the House until a replacement can be elected to a full term next year. It is not yet clear whether Sherrill will resign from her seat in the House, but the governor could issue of writ of election declaring that voters will choose who fills out the rest of Sherrill’s current term (expiring January 3, 2027) during next year’s November election, with nominees chose in June primaries. Alternately, the governor could call for special elections, with a primary and general election, to fill the seat prior to the November election. Recently, Sen. Andrew Zwicker introduced a bill to require House vacancies to be filled by a special election, including primaries, to be held 74 to 80 days after a vacancy in most cases, which would eliminate the need for a governor to issue a writ of election.
Education
NJDOE Recognizes 11 Blue Ribbon Schools for Excellence and Equity – On November 5th, the NJDOE honored 11 schools—nine public and two nonpublic—with the 2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools Award, which recognizes schools that are either high-performing academically or making progress in closing achievement gaps among diverse student groups. Commissioner Kevin Dehmer praised the schools for “showing what’s possible when educators, students, and communities work together.” This year’s honorees include schools from Atlantic, Bergen, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties. In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Education ended its longtime National Blue Ribbon Schools program, and as a result, the NJDOE chose to recognize the schools that were already selected prior to the U.S. DOE’s discontinuation. The award underscores statewide commitment to academic excellence, equity, and continuous improvement, highlighting how local leadership sustains education innovation beyond federal frameworks.
Health
Strain on SNAP Benefits Raises Concerns Regarding Increased Food Insecurity – On November 4, NJ Spotlight News published an article examining the potential far-reaching consequences of the loss of federal food benefits due to the Congressional shutdown. More than 800,000 New Jerseyans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits monthly, and the pause to these benefits could further strain lower-income households. Almost half of SNAP beneficiaries are children, while people with disabilities make up over 30% of recipients, according to data from the governor’s office. Local food banks have reported increasing demand and already tight resources. At the end of October, Gov. Murphy declared a state of emergency due to the federal suspension of SNAP benefits and announced Executive Order No. 402, which establishes a coordinated statewide response amongst state agencies to ensure food access for vulnerable residents.
Rising Costs from Expiring Health Insurance Tax Credits May Lead to More Residents Cancelling Coverage – On November 7, NJ Spotlight News published an article discussing the more than half-million New Jerseyans who are currently insured through Get Covered NJ, the state’s health insurance marketplace through the Affordable Care Act, who are facing the possibility of paying thousands of dollars more to maintain coverage of their health benefits as a result of Congress choosing not to renew health insurance tax credits. The NJ Department of Banking and Insurance is projecting that health insurance premiums will increase by 174%, and the average annual premium cost could jump almost $2,800 on average.