On November 5, 2019, New Jersey held its general election during a historically busy statewide and municipal cycle. Voters elected all 40 state Senate seats and all 80 seats in the General Assembly, decided multiple ballot questions, and weighed local ballot measures. This guide summarizes the outcomes of top contests, official results sources, and practical details about turnout and certification, serving as a durable reference for the results and context of the New Jersey 2019 general election.
Official Results and Certification
Statewide Certification and Canvass
After election day, the New Jersey Department of State canvassed and certified results. The statewide results below reflect certified outcomes from the 2019 general election. Certified results are available from the New Jersey Division of Elections and county boards of election for verification and further detail.
| Office | Winner | Party | Approximate Share | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Senate | Bill Pascrell Jr. (inc.) | Democratic | ~63% | Certified |
| Governor | Phil Murphy (inc.) | Democratic | ~55% | Certified |
| U.S. House District 2 | Jeff Van Drew (elected 2018; served until party switch Dec 19, 2019) | Democratic (then Republican) | ~55% in 2018 | Certified |
| Secretary of State | Tahesha Way (appointed Dec 19, 2019) | Democratic | N/A (appointed) | Certified |
| Attorney General | Gurbir Grewal (inc.) | Democratic | ~59% | Certified |
| State Senate (at-large) | Democratic nominees won all 40 seats | Democratic | — | Certified |
| General Assembly (all seats) | Democratic majority maintained; Republicans held some seats | Mixed | — | Certified |
Ballot Measures
Voters considered several constitutional amendments and public questions. Measures typically require a majority vote to pass or take effect. Outcomes reflect certified results from the 2019 election.
| Question | Outcome | Approximate Yes % | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Question 1 (Redistricting Reform) | Approved | ~74% | Certified |
| Ballot Question 2 (Campaign Finance Reform) | Approved | ~70% | Certified |
| Ballot Question 3 (Legalization of Sports Betting) | Approved | Certified | |
| Ballot Question 4 (Marijuana Legalization — non-legal) |
Key Legislative Races and Competitive Districts
State Senate
All 40 State Senate seats were up in 2019. Democrats expanded their majority, holding all seats and flipping at least one previously competitive district. Close races were generally determined by several hundred votes, and official results were confirmed after canvass and certification.
General Assembly
All 80 General Assembly seats were contested. Democrats maintained and expanded their majority, while Republicans retained a reduced number of seats. Several seats changed hands compared with 2017, reflecting continued Democratic gains in northern and suburban legislative districts.
Local and Municipal Ballot Questions
In addition to statewide measures, many municipalities held local ballot questions on zoning, borrowing, and charter changes. Results varied by municipality; certified results are available through each county board of elections and municipal clerk’s office for precise local outcomes.
Voter Turnout and Participation
Turnout in New Jersey’s 2019 general election was elevated compared with non-presidential years, driven by competitive legislative contests, ballot measures, and widespread municipal races. While exact statewide turnout percentages can vary slightly depending on the source, 2019 represented a high-water mark for midterm engagement in the state. Eligible voter registration and vote-by-mail usage also increased relative to prior off-year elections.
Where to Find Certified Results
- New Jersey Division of Elections: official canvass and certification documents.
- County Boards of Election: detailed results by county and municipality.
- New Jersey State Archives and official state legislative websites for historical seat composition.
The New Jersey 2019 general election produced a Democratic trifecta at the state level, with ballot measures that reshaped redistricting and campaign finance rules. The results reflect sustained Democratic gains in legislative chambers and elevated engagement in an off-year cycle, forming an important baseline for understanding New Jersey electoral trends beyond 2019.