On the National Stage: U.S. Congress
The most prominent races on the 2026 ballot will be for federal office. Voters will decide on one of New Jersey’s two seats in the U.S. Senate. Senators serve six-year terms and represent the entire state, dealing with national legislation, confirming federal judges, and ratifying treaties. The incumbent, Cory Booker, is expected to be on the ballot. In addition, all 12 of New Jersey’s seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, as they are every two years. Your Representative is your direct voice in Congress, focused on the specific needs of your district while also voting on all federal laws and spending bills. These elections will determine the makeup of the 120th Congress and influence the country's direction for the following
two years.
A Quiet Year in Trenton: What’s Not on the Ballot
If you're looking for the races for Governor, State Senate, or General Assembly, you won't find them on the 2026 ballot. New Jersey is one of a handful of states that holds its major state-level elections in odd-numbered years. The governor is elected every four years in the year following a presidential election (e.g., 2021, 2025). Similarly, all 120 members of the state legislature—40 senators and 80 assembly members—are chosen during odd-year elections. This unique cycle means that state-level power dynamics are decided separately from federal midterm contests, so in 2026, the focus shifts entirely to federal and local governance.
County Government: Your Regional Representatives
A significant portion of your ballot will be dedicated to county-level positions. Each of New Jersey's 21 counties is governed by a Board of County Commissioners (formerly known as Freeholders). These officials oversee the county budget, maintain county roads and parks, and manage social services. Depending on your county's election schedule, you may be voting for one or more commissioners. You will also likely see races for New Jersey’s three “constitutional officers” in each county: the County Clerk, the Sheriff, and the Surrogate. The County Clerk manages elections and public records, the Sheriff oversees law enforcement and jail operations, and the Surrogate handles probate court matters like wills and estates. The specific county seats on your ballot will vary, as these officials serve staggered terms.
Local Control: Your Mayor and Town Council
The most local—and often most impactful—races are for municipal government. This is where you elect the officials who run your specific city, township, or borough. Depending on your town's form of government, you could be voting for a Mayor, members of the City Council or Township Committee, or other local board members. These are the people who make decisions about zoning, trash and recycling collection, local police and fire departments, and community events. Because New Jersey has 564 distinct municipalities, these elections are not uniform across the state. The candidates and offices on the ballot are tailored specifically to your hometown.
Schools, Spending, and Special Issues
Finally, your ballot will likely feature a few other important items. Most communities will have elections for local school boards. While these are non-partisan positions, the winners set school district policies, hire the superintendent, and approve the school budget, directly influencing local education and property taxes. You may also be asked to vote on public questions, also known as ballot referendums. These can be proposed by the state, county, or your local municipality to authorize new spending on projects like a new library, approve changes to local laws, or weigh in on a specific policy issue. These questions give you a direct say in governance, making it critical to read them carefully before you vote.
