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Poll Highlights Deep Bipartisan Concern Over Property Taxes, Utility Costs, Medicaid, and Nursing Home Oversight
New Brunswick, NJ (May 15, 2025) — Congresswoman Mikie Sherill and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli lead the field in their respective party primaries for Governor among New Jersey voters age 50 and over, according to a new poll released today by AARP New Jersey and the Siena College Research Institute.
In the Democratic primary, Sherill garnered 25% support, followed by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (11%), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (9%), Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop (9%), and New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller (7%). A significant 32% of voters remain undecided.
On the Republican side, Ciattarelli leads with 47% support—well ahead of radio host Bill Spadea (10%), State Senator Jon Bramnick (4%), and other candidates. Like in the Democratic contest, 32% of GOP voters said they were undecided.
Older voters show up, stay informed, and care deeply about whether the state government is meeting their needs—or falling short,” said AARP New Jersey State Director Chris Widelo.
In April, AARP New Jersey released The Power of the Older Voter, a report highlighting the significant influence of voters aged 50 and older in shaping electoral outcomes. In non-presidential election years, this demographic—across both major parties—consistently dominates the electorate, often by a wide margin. The report shows that in every county across the state, voters 50 and older make up the majority of voter turnout, with some counties, such as Hunterdon and Morris, seeing turnout rates exceeding 70% in off-year elections.
While voters were evenly split on Governor Phil Murphy’s job performance (44% approve, 44% disapprove), they expressed deep frustration with the state legislature. Just 30% approve of how the legislature is doing, while 46% disapprove.
This poll makes it clear: affordability is the top concern for New Jerseyans age 50 and older,” Widelo said. “These voters are looking for candidates with strong plans to address property taxes, rein in utility costs, and improve the quality of care in our nursing homes.
Key Findings:
Property Taxes Driving People Out:
Affordability is a top concern across the board—especially when it comes to property taxes. A staggering 95% of respondents say making property taxes more affordable is a very or somewhat important issue. Nearly half (48%) have considered leaving New Jersey, with 80% of those citing property taxes as a factor.
Utility Costs Are a Burden:
Utility bills are another major worry:
- 93% say the affordability of utilities is a very or somewhat important issue.
- 90% are concerned about utility bills going up.
- 91% say they are more likely to support a candidate who prioritizes affordable utility rates.
Nursing Homes Must Be Held Accountable:
Voters across party lines support greater oversight of nursing homes:
- 94% of Democrats and 86% of Republicans say improving nursing home quality standards is very or somewhat important.
- 93% of Democrats and 89% of Republicans support legislation requiring nursing homes to disclose financial records so taxpayers can see how Medicaid funds are spent.
Broad Support for Medicaid:
The poll shows that Medicaid continues to enjoy strong bipartisan backing, with 90% of Republicans and 93% of Democrats saying it is very or somewhat important.
A majority of older New Jersey voters say that both the national and state economies are weakening, and while 46% say they are personally holding their own financially, 43% are either struggling to keep up or falling behind,” said Dr. Don Levy, SCRI’s Director. “They are loudly calling for elected officials to make New Jersey more affordable and right now, almost half say they have considered moving out of the Garden State not primarily for warmer weather, but rather over the property tax burden, the overall cost of living and just being able to afford to keep their home.
Overwhelmingly New Jersey voters 50 years of age and older say that Medicaid is important. They, regardless of party, support Governor Murphy’s program that accelerates Medicaid benefits for home care services and regardless of party, they call for heightened financial transparency by for-profit nursing homes. Eighty-eight percent are more likely to vote for a candidate for governor that will protect funding for Medicaid to ensure health and long-term care services are available for low-income seniors.
This AARP New Jersey/Siena College Poll was conducted April 28–May 1, 2025, among 813 registered New Jersey voters age 50 and over. Of the total respondents, 613 were reached via telephone and text-to-web, and 200 were from a proprietary online panel. The poll has a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points overall, ±5.1 for Democratic or Democratic-leaning voters (n=454), and ±6.4 for Republican or Republican-leaning voters (n=290). Data was weighted to reflect known population demographics, and the poll adheres to the AAPOR Code of Professional Ethics and Practices.
To view full results and crosstabs, click here.
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About AARP New Jersey
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. AARP New Jersey educates and advocates on behalf of those 50 and older on issues that are important to them, their families and to all Garden State residents. The organization works to strengthen New Jersey communities with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nj or follow @AARPNJ on social media.
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