AARP New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Poll Reveals Crucial Insights Into Concerns of Voters 50+

The AARP New Jersey Poll, conducted by the Siena College Research Institute between April 28 and May 1, 2025, has unveiled significant insights into the preferences and concerns of New Jersey’s registered voters 50 and older — traditionally the most reliable voters to turn out in state elections. The poll surveyed 813 registered voters and offers a view into voter sentiments ahead of the primary elections on June 10, 2025, where turnout among voters 50 and older is likely to be high.

Among Democrats 50 and older, when asked about their choice for governor in the primary election, about one-third were undecided. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill received the support of 25 percent; Ras Baraka garnered the support of 11 percent; followed by Steven Fulop and Congressman Josh Gottheimer, each with 9 percent; Sean Spiller with 7 percent; and Steve Sweeney with 5 percent.  On the Republican side, one-third were also undecided, but Jack Ciattarelli leads with 47 percent support — well ahead of the rest: Bill Spadea (10 percent), Jon Bramnick (4 percent), and other candidates (1 percent–2 percent).

The survey also identified key issues that gubernatorial candidates will need to address to win support of voters 50 and older. Jobs and the economy; access to affordable, quality health care; and the affordability of property taxes are very important to nearly 80 percent of voters 50-plus. Rising prices, ensuring older residents have access to supportive services so they can stay in their homes as they age, and the affordability of utility rates are very important to nearly three quarters of older New Jersey voters. While not the most important, the following issues rate as very important to at least half of voters: improving quality standards in nursing homes, making housing more affordable for all income levels, improving the response plan for natural disasters and providing support for family caregivers.

Several policy issues explored in the survey also show widespread support among voters 50 and older:

• Medicaid is regarded as important by 94 percent of these voters, and 73 percent strongly believe it is vital to the state.
• Nine in 10 older voters (89 percent) support legislation that allows older residents to begin receiving home care services while their Medicaid application is being processed.
• A strong majority (90 percent) support requiring nursing homes to disclose financial records, ensuring transparency in Medicaid spending.

The findings of the AARP New Jersey Poll provide crucial insights into the preferences and concerns of Democratic voters, which will undoubtedly shape the upcoming gubernatorial election and the future policy directions of New Jersey.

Methodology

This AARP Poll was conducted by the Siena College Research Institute from April 28 to May 1, 2025, among 813 New Jersey registered voters 50 or older. Of the 813 respondents, 613 were contacted through a dual frame (landline and cell phone) mode (325 completed via text to web) and 200 respondents were drawn from a proprietary online panel (Cint). Telephone sampling was conducted via a stratified dual frame registered voter list of landline and cell phone numbers weighted to reflect known population patterns. The telephone sample was obtained from MSG using the L2 voter list. Data from collection modes were statistically adjusted by age, region, race/ethnicity, education, party, and gender to ensure representativeness. There were 454 Democrats or Democratic-leaning voters and 290 Republicans or Republican-leaning voters.

For more information, please contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.