TrueNorth – Fall 2025 Edition

In this edition of TrueNorth we update you on the tight race for New Jersey governor. Recent polling has this essentially a margin-of-error race with less than two weeks until Election Day. We also pay homage to T-Mobile’s Jane Builder who retired after a distinguished 25 year career with the wireless giant. Finally, we proudly tout that NorthStar Strategies founders Joe Fiordaliso and Jody Herkloz have been included on InsiderNJ’s 2025 Lobby Power List.

With less than two weeks until voters head to the polls, the contest to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy has become one of the most closely watched races in the country. Recent surveys show Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli locked in a competitive battle, with both campaigns leaning heavily on high-profile surrogates to energize their bases.

Latest Polling: Rutgers-Eagleton and Beyond

Today’s Rutgers-Eagleton Poll underscores just how tight the race has become. Sherrill leads Ciattarelli by five points among likely voters, 50% to 45%, with 3% opting for neither candidate and 2% undecided. That margin falls within the poll’s ±4.7% margin of error, signaling a statistical dead heat. The survey, conducted Oct. 3–17 among 795 likely voters, highlights stark partisan divides: 95% of Democrats back Sherrill, while 94% of Republicans support Ciattarelli. Independents lean toward Sherrill by a modest 49% to 40% split.

Other recent polls echo this trend. Fox News and Quinnipiac University each put Sherrill ahead by five to six points, while Fairleigh Dickinson University shows a seven-point advantage for the Democrat. RealClearPolling’s average now pegs Sherrill’s lead at roughly four points.

Adding intrigue, a GOP-aligned super PAC supporting Ciattarelli released its own survey this week showing Sherrill ahead by just three points, 47% to 44%. The poll, conducted by KAConsulting, also found Ciattarelli narrowly leading among unaffiliated voters and scoring slightly higher on the question of who would “bring change to New Jersey.”

Key Issues Driving Voter Decisions

The Rutgers-Eagleton poll reveals a sharp gender gap, with women 18 points more likely than men to favor Sherrill. Nonwhite voters back Sherrill by a commanding 30-point margin, while Ciattarelli leads among white voters. Age and education splits are equally pronounced: older voters and college graduates lean Democratic, while Ciattarelli performs better among middle-aged voters and those without a degree.

On policy, Ciattarelli holds an edge on crime, taxes, and state budget issues, while Sherrill is favored on healthcare and education. Both candidates are virtually tied on affordability and infrastructure—issues dominating the campaign’s closing arguments.

President Donald Trump continues to loom large over the race, with 52% of voters in the Rutgers-Eagleton poll saying he is a “major factor” in their vote for governor, 14% saying he is a “minor” one and 34% saying he isn’t a factor at all. Democrats are much more prone to say Trump is a “major factor” for them (78%) than Republicans (38%). Four in 10 independents (42%) say Trump is a “major factor” for them, 20% a “minor” one and 38% not a factor at all.  Whether national issues tied to Trump including the federal government shutdown, ICE raids and National Guard occupation of US cities will sway New Jersey voters remains an open question.

Surrogates Hit the Trail

The tightening polls have prompted a surge of national attention. Former President Barack Obama will headline a rally for Sherrill in Newark on November 1, aiming to galvanize Democratic turnout in urban strongholds. Obama’s endorsement, already featured in digital ads, frames Sherrill as a pragmatic leader committed to affordability and healthcare.

Meanwhile, Ciattarelli is leaning into his ties with former President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to host a tele-rally for the GOP nominee in the campaign’s final stretch. Ciattarelli has also welcomed appearances from MAGA-aligned figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Byron Donalds, signaling a strategy to energize conservative voters and capitalize on Trump’s enduring influence in the state.

What’s Next

Early in-person voting begins October 25 and runs through November 2, with mail-in ballot applications due by October 28. Both campaigns are bracing for what could be a photo finish in a state that has alternated between Republican and Democratic governors for decades. With national implications looming large, turnout operations—not just polling margins—may ultimately decide who occupies Drumthwacket come January.

Telecommunications veteran Jane Builder, widely recognized for her leadership in network advocacy and government relations, has announced her retirement from T-Mobile after 25 years of dedicated service. As Principal Manager of Site Advocacy for the Northeast Region, Builder played a pivotal role in advancing T-Mobile’s infrastructure projects and navigating complex regulatory landscapes across multiple states.

Builder’s career at T-Mobile began in 2000, and over the years, she became a trusted voice in the industry, championing initiatives that expanded wireless accessibility and accelerated 5G deployment. Her expertise in zoning, permitting, and strategic partnerships earned her a spot on the Telecommunications Power 50 list, underscoring her influence in shaping New York’s digital future.

Longtime T-Mobile/NorthStar Collaboration

NorthStar Strategies worked closely with Builder for many years and had a front row seat to watch her navigate complex matters related to critical wireless projects, infrastructure upgrades, lease negotiations and wireless telecommunications public policy.

NorthStar’s role in facilitating negotiations, securing permits, and managing stakeholder relationships has been instrumental in T-Mobile’s regional operations.  The firm's ability to navigate complex government processes has made it a trusted strategic consultant to the nation's second largest wireless carrier.

A Legacy of Impact

Builder's contributions leave an enduring mark on T-Mobile’s growth and the broader wireless industry. Her strategic vision, keen problem-solving ability, and commitment to balancing the needs of communities and stakeholders with the broader mission to build a robust wireless infrastructure network that keeps people connected and safe is her lasting legacy.

A Personal Tribute

Joe Fiordaliso, CEO and Founder of NorthStar Strategies, praised Builder’s remarkable career:

“Jane’s leadership and professionalism have set a standard that inspires everyone who has had the privilege to work with her. Beyond her impressive accomplishments, Jane has been a true friend—someone whose integrity and warmth made every collaboration meaningful. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.”

InsiderNJ has released its highly anticipated 2025 Insider 100: Lobby Power List, spotlighting the most influential voices shaping policy and legislation in New Jersey. Among this year’s honorees are Joe Fiordaliso and Jody Herkloz, co-founders of NorthStar Strategies, a leading government affairs and public policy consultancy headquartered in Trenton.

The annual publication, widely regarded as the definitive ranking of New Jersey’s lobbying elite, recognizes professionals who demonstrate exceptional ability to navigate the complex corridors of state government. According to InsiderNJ, the list reflects “a representative look at key governmental affairs agents laboring mostly in the halls of Trenton,” and underscores their role in influencing legislation and regulatory processes.

Fiordaliso, NorthStar’s Chief Executive Officer, brings decades of experience in public policy and strategic advocacy. His career spans advisory roles to governors, legislators, and corporate leaders, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor on high-stakes issues. Herkloz, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, is recognized for her bipartisan reach and expertise in fundraising, coalition building, and public outreach. Together, they have positioned NorthStar Strategies as an effective and influential player in New Jersey’s lobbying landscape.

This recognition comes amid a pivotal moment in state politics, as lobbyists prepare for a gubernatorial transition that promises to reshape priorities and alliances. InsiderNJ notes that the list not only honors individual achievement but also reflects the dynamic environment in which these professionals operate — one marked by shifting administrations, evolving policy debates, and heightened competition for influence.

“We work each day to realize our vision of being the most trusted consultancy in New Jersey,” Herkloz said in a recent statement about NorthStar’s growth. Fiordaliso echoed that sentiment and expressed sincere appreciation to the InsiderNJ editorial team for including NorthStar's founding leaders in its annual publication.