President Trump's influence is shaping the primary races for New Jersey governor, with candidates from both parties forced to focus on him during their campaigns. The primaries are particularly volatile this year due to changes in ballot design, which have given non-endorsed candidates better odds of success. The competitive nature of the primaries will offer early insights into messaging, voter enthusiasm, and attitudes towards Trump's second presidency. Immigration is a dominant concern among New Jersey voters, and Democrats have approached the topic more cautiously than in the past. Recent polls have shown that immigration remains a key issue for voters, and left-leaning candidates have an opportunity to define an alternative narrative on the topic.