Republican Jack Ciattarelli and the top Democratic candidate are viewed favorably by a similar percentage of voters, a poll shows.

The battle is drawing national attention because New Jersey is one of only two states this year — along with Virginia — holding gubernatorial elections in 2025. And they’re the first big races after President Donald Trump returned to office this year, making it an early barometer for what the public thinks of his controversial new administration.

A crowded Democratic primary in New Jersey has candidates racing to cast themselves as best positioned to fight against President Donald Trump. Republicans, meanwhile, have turned their contest into a battle over who best represents Trump.