New Jersey’s final results from the 2024 presidential election revealed a seismic shift in voter sentiment as Donald Trump flipped 61 towns and cities that voted for Joe Biden in 2020. This surprising trend, particularly pronounced in North Jersey, highlights a changing political landscape in the state, with Republicans making significant inroads into traditionally Democratic territories.
North Jersey Drives the Shift
In North Jersey, Bergen and Passaic counties showcased notable changes. Data from the Division of Elections indicates that Trump gained considerable support, marking a departure from Biden’s stronghold in these areas during the previous election.
Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, explained this shift as a consequence of the Democratic campaign’s strategic focus elsewhere. “The Democrats presumed New Jersey’s 14 electoral votes were safe and prioritized efforts in battleground states like Pennsylvania,” Rasmussen stated. This perceived neglect may have alienated voters in North Jersey, who felt overlooked.
Bergen and Passaic Counties Lead the Way
Bergen County, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, witnessed significant movement toward Trump. Twenty-two towns, including Lodi, Mahwah, Garfield, and Ridgefield, flipped red. Among them, Lodi saw the most dramatic turnaround. While Biden carried the town by 21 points in 2020, Trump managed a 4-point victory in 2024, representing a 25-point swing in his favor.
In Passaic County, similar trends emerged. Trump improved his vote share by 8 points in Clifton and achieved a 16-point swing in the city of Passaic. Even Hudson County, one of New Jersey’s most reliably Democratic regions, was not immune to the red wave. Kearny flipped to Trump, reversing Biden’s 22-point win in 2020 with a narrow 2-point victory for the Republican candidate.
Statewide Trends
Across New Jersey, the Republican campaign’s ground-level efforts appeared to pay off. Trump won 61 municipalities that had previously backed Biden, signaling discontent with the Democratic Party’s engagement strategy. Many of these flips occurred in suburban and urban areas, where Trump’s messaging resonated with key voter demographics.
Towns That Switched to Trump
The towns that moved to Trump included a mix of suburban and rural areas, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. Some key examples include:
- Bergen County: Lodi, Garfield, Mahwah, and Ridgefield.
- Passaic County: Clifton and the city of Passaic.
- Hudson County: Kearny, a pivotal flip in a deep-blue area.
- Atlantic County: Egg Harbor Township and Galloway.
- Morris County: Mountain Lakes and Wharton, among others.
- Cumberland County: Millville, which shifted its support to Trump after favoring Biden in 2020.
Understanding the Swing
While the Democratic Party relied on New Jersey’s historically blue voting patterns, the Republican campaign capitalized on local issues and frustrations. Trump’s emphasis on economic recovery, law enforcement support, and criticisms of federal policies appeared to resonate with disillusioned voters, especially in suburban communities.
Moreover, Rasmussen highlighted that Democrats failed to connect with voters who felt neglected. “The campaign didn’t invest in outreach here, and voters noticed,” he said. This lack of engagement likely allowed the Republican Party to make gains.
Largest Swings
Among the flipped towns, Lodi in Bergen County was the most prominent example of a significant swing. Trump not only narrowed the gap but also turned the town red, reversing a 21-point deficit. Ventnor City and Somers Point in Atlantic County also showcased large margins of change, contributing to the overall shift.
Implications for the Future
New Jersey’s results underscore the importance of grassroots engagement and voter outreach. While Biden ultimately secured the state’s 14 electoral votes, the Republican gains in traditionally Democratic areas highlight a potential challenge for future elections. If this trend continues, New Jersey may no longer be considered a reliably blue state in the presidential race.
These results also reflect broader national dynamics, where voter sentiment is shifting in response to economic, social, and political factors. As New Jersey’s political landscape evolves, both parties will need to reassess their strategies to address the concerns of its diverse electorate.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s 2024 election results reveal a surprising shift, with Trump flipping 61 towns and cities that supported Biden in 2020. This change, driven by strategic missteps from the Democratic campaign and targeted efforts by Republicans, emphasizes the importance of connecting with voters on a personal level. The results also serve as a wake-up call for Democrats to strengthen their outreach and engagement in historically secure regions. As the state’s political dynamics shift, the road to future victories will depend on addressing the concerns of its changing electorate.
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