The race for New Jersey's governor is heating up, with several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. Rep. Mikie Sherrill is currently leading the pack, thanks to her strong fundraising and widespread endorsements from key county Democratic organizations. She has also invested heavily in television ads, targeting the New York and Philadelphia metro areas.

However, the race is far from over. The political landscape of New Jersey is complex, with different regions having their own unique dynamics. South Jersey, for instance, is dominated by an old-fashioned political machine that is backing former state Sen. Steve Sweeney. But Sweeney faces an uphill battle, as South Jersey only accounts for about 30% of all primary votes. Moreover, his association with the South Jersey machine may be a liability, as more Democratic voters see him as a typical machine politician.

North Jersey, on the other hand, is a vote-rich region where several candidates can claim some advantage. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is likely to win big in his city, which is also the seat of Essex County. This county has the highest number of registered Democrats and a significant Black population, which should boost Baraka's chances. He has also made a play for the party's progressive base, running hard to the left and burnishing his anti-Trump credentials.

But Baraka is not the only candidate appealing to progressives. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is also embracing left-wing themes and framing his candidacy as a challenge to the Democratic establishment. Both Baraka and Fulop are garnering significant support from progressives, which could split the vote and benefit other candidates.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer is another candidate to watch. He has pitched his message more toward the middle, promising tax cuts and emphasizing cost-of-living issues. Gottheimer has also amassed an enviable campaign bankroll and has been endorsed by Bergen's official Democratic organization. However, he has struggled to gain the support of other major county organizations in North Jersey.

The race for governor is also shaping up to be a test of the power of county political machines. In the past, these machines have been able to provide their preferred candidates with a highly preferential spot on primary ballots. But a court ruling last year undid that power, pushing the primary further into uncharted territory. It remains to be seen how this will affect the outcome of the race.

One thing is clear: the race for New Jersey's governor is far from over. With several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, and the political landscape of the state being so complex, anything can happen. Voters will have to weigh the candidates' messages and track records carefully before casting their ballots.

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New Jersey's Governor Race: The Battle for Votes

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