The last time a Republican won a statewide election in New Jersey

Countries & Cities · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2013, Chris Christie secured a landslide victory that would stand as a historical anomaly for over a decade. While his win was a political masterclass in charisma and pragmatism, it also highlighted a profound divide between his popularity with the general public and the expectations of his own party.

The 2013 gubernatorial election saw Republican Chris Christie defeat Democrat Barbara Buono by capturing over 60% of the vote. This was a significant milestone: he became the first Republican to win a majority of the statewide vote since Thomas Kean in 1985, and it marked the only time a Republican had won a statewide election in New Jersey since 1988. Christie's victory was so broad that he carried 19 of the state's 21 counties, flipping six that had previously voted for Democrats in 2009.

Christie’s success was often attributed to his "call-it-as-he-sees-it" style and pragmatic approach. This persona made him a favorite on social media and among independent voters alike, leading some observers to suggest he was more skilled at politics than actual governing. However, this same pragmatism created friction with the Republican base. For instance, Christie faced backlash from conservative Republicans for praising President Obama’s federal assistance following Superstorm Sandy, an act some in Mitt Romney's campaign even labeled as traitorous.

Despite his massive personal mandate, the election revealed a fractured political landscape. While Christie won the governorship, Democrats maintained their majorities in both state legislative chambers. Furthermore, his win was not a total sweep of the electorate; he only secured 21% of Black voters and 51% of Latino voters. The results underscored a unique moment where a candidate's individual charisma could overcome deep-seated partisan leanings, even as it left him vulnerable in primary contests among more traditional conservative wings.

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