Following Mikie Sherrill’s landslide victory Tuesday night over Jack Ciattarelli in the race to be New Jersey’s next governor, Ben Dworkin, the founding director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship, said what now seems so obvious: President Donald Trump was the biggest factor in the race.

Dworkin, however, said the way Sherrill addressed Trump was strategic.

“Sherrill did not spend this campaign talking about Trump as a ‘threat to democracy,’” he said. “Rather, she focused on the president as a cause of higher prices — because of his tariffs and other economic and social policies.

“Moving forward, I think candidates in 2026 around the country, where affordability is also an issue, will adopt similar messaging.”

That being said, the threat to halt the Gateway Tunnel project, destruction of the East Wing of the White House, efforts to cut SNAP funding and reduce Medicaid eligibility, pardons and political payback had impact, too.

In other words, an issue with the general sense that Trump feels he can do whatever he wants was registered, too.

“I think there was an underappreciated ‘No Kings’ vote that ended up being larger than many people expected,” Dworkin said.

Peter Woolley, founding director of the School of Public and Global Affairs at Fairleigh Dickinson University, agreed.

“This election suggests that New Jersey and Trump are imperfect together,” he said.

Woolley also suggested the result could be more than just a one-time repudiation — that it could have a huge impact across the country.

“What happens in Jersey in an election year, doesn’t stay in Jersey,” he said.

Comments and critiques from business leaders and political pundits came in from every corner of the state. Here are some of the more thoughtful messages:

Government affairs experts

“Elections are often won on a ‘change’ message and New Jerseyans strongly voted for change last night — just not the change the Republicans anticipated. Governor-elect Sherrill captured the voters’ primal need to change from the chaos and cruelty of Washington while simultaneously carving her own change identity from Trenton.”

— Eric Shuffler, founder, River Crossing Strategy Group

“Sherrill ran a smart campaign, using her life experiences to appeal to the center of the electorate, resisting any calls to go further left on policy. Ciattarelli’s perhaps unavoidable embrace of Trump drove out more Democrats than Republicans and prevented him from winning the unaffiliated vote in a way that could bring a win for a Republican in a blue state.”

— Mike Duhaime, CEO, MAD Global

“Mikie Sherrill ran a disciplined, effective campaign that not only energized the Democratic base but tapped into the broader frustration with Trump’s overreach. Across New Jersey — and in places like New York City, Virginia, and California — voters made clear they will push back when the president overplays his hand.”

With turnout in New Jersey nearing record highs not seen since 1997, last night’s results reflect a growing hunger for change and accountability.”

— Mike Soliman, N.J. leader, Mercury Public Affairs

Business leaders

“NJBIA was heartened to see a much-needed commitment from both candidates to improve New Jersey’s business climate and to give our job creators a more even playing ground from which to compete. We hope this is an inflection point to once again make our job creators feel appreciated for the many contributions they make to our economy and our way of life in New Jersey.”

— Michele Siekerka, CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association

“The voters of New Jersey have made it clear that they want our state leaders to address the economy and affordability, so there are more opportunities for prosperity. Strengthening the state’s economic policies will help make that vision a reality.”

— Tom Bracken, CEO of New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce

“During her campaign, Sherrill spoke of creative new approaches to leading New Jersey: Streamlining red tape and regulations, being open for business — especially small businesses — lowering taxes, addressing our energy crisis. Politics aside, her administration should consider leveraging the Murphy policies that have proven successful and not be afraid to look at ideas offered by Jack Ciatterelli. A good idea is a good idea.”

— Jim Kirkos, CEO, Meadowlands Chamber

“Mikie Sherrill’s resounding victory — combined with increases by Democrats in the General Assembly — present opportunities for action in Southern New Jersey, the fastest growing region in our state. The CCSNJ stands ready to serve as a direct resource to the Sherrill Administration on business growth, workforce development and regional investment.”

— Christina Renna, CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

One more thing

The best analysis may have come from a business leader who didn’t necessarily want to hurt someone else’s business.

Their reaction: Don’t waste money on pollsters.