On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the New Jersey Democratic primary took a turn when the situation in California became a big talking point at home.
Specifically, candidates in the governor’s race are calling it out, vowing to resist President Trump’s approach as they defend Gov. Gavin Newsom. Their message: New Jersey won’t sit back if Trump tries similar actions.
This past week, Los Angeles saw major anti-ICE protests. They followed ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants and others. The protests turned violent enough that President Trump sent federal troops, including National Guard and Marines, without the consent of the California governor
In response, several Democratic governors—including Newsom—criticized the move. They called it unconstitutional and said it goes against states’ rights. Now, New Jersey’s top primary candidates are echoing that strong stance.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, said after voting in Montclair: she would act even more firmly than Newsom if this happened in New Jersey.
She emphasised that a governor must “keep people safe” and “push back if the president creates violence.” Sherrill added that Trump’s threat to have Newsom arrested is “ridiculous” and alarming. Deploying troops would only stoke the fire, not calm things down.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer—also a House member from New Jersey—called Trump’s deployment “outrageous.”
He pointed out that no president since 1965 has used federal troops without a governor’s request. Gottheimer said he would focus on protecting New Jersey families, and would not bring in federal military force without inviting them
Other Democratic candidates raised their voices, too:
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was even arrested this year during an ICE protest in New Jersey, is suing federal officials for wrongful arrest. He said the L.A. protests are another example of Trump’s aggressive immigration tactics, and pledged to stand strong
- Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop also supports resisting federal overreach, though he’s focused mainly on state-wide issues like transit and housing. He’s voiced solidarity with governors defending local control.
- Sean Spiller, head of the NJ Education Association, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that this is “not normal.” He warned that Trump’s steps—like ICE raids, National Guard moves, and possible Marine deployment—are threats to democracy. He promised that a governor would stand up against it
With Election Day on June 10, the candidates are framing this conflict as central to their campaign. They aim to show that they will not just manage New Jersey, but protect its dignity, rights, and families — even if Trump tries to use federal troops.
This issue also highlights another theme: many voters see Trump’s actions as “chaos,” and Democratic candidates are using it to show they will oppose him, no matter what.
It matches broader Democratic strategy in blue states, where governors like Newsom are pushing back on what they see as authoritarian moves.
So today, as New Jersey chooses its next governor, the question is clear: Who will stand firm if Washington tries to push state limits, especially on civil rights, immigration, and public safety?