Victory Speech - Nov. 4, 2025

Well, they always say we’re loud, but man, with this vote, you guys just screamed from the rooftops!

(Applause)

And people around the country have heard you. I hear you too. This was a tough fight, and this is a tough state, but I know you, New Jersey, and I love you. I fought for you, I’ve spoken with thousands of you over this last year. I know your struggles, I know your hopes, I know your dreams. So serving you is worth any tough fight I have to take on, and I am incredibly honored to be your next governor.

When I was 18, I raised my hand, and I swore to defend the Constitution. And that moment defines me. It taught me that leadership means carrying the weight of other people’s hopes, standing firm when it’s easier to bend, and always putting the common good above personal gain. And I know how hard it can be to serve in these times, and I just got a call from Jack Ciattarelli, and I want to recognize him for stepping up.

(Applause)

And all of you know I love our history, and our state motto has always stuck with me. In 1777, New Jersey was one of the first states to choose a motto. Anybody? Liberty and prosperity.

(Applause)

I’m going to get some more civics education going. We’ll get that known by all. But it was a demand for freedom from oppression and a commitment to creating better opportunity and a better future. That idea has defined us for almost 250 years. We fought for liberty at the crossroads of the American Revolution, turning the tide for our young nation at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. We offered prosperity as we built the nation during the Industrial Revolution. We’ve been the cradle of scientific discovery, inventing everything from the lightbulb to the laser. Liberty and prosperity.

I’ve seen the genius in that motto over the last year because both are essential in our democracy. And as the president is backing away from this ideal, cutting SNAP, ripping away healthcare, terminating Gateway, we here in New Jersey are bound to fight for a different future for our children. We see how clear and important liberty is. We know that no one in our great state is safe when our neighbors are targeted, ignoring the law and the Constitution. But prosperity is equally essential. Liberty alone is not enough if the government makes it impossible for you to feed your family, to get a good education, or to get a good job.

So in this country, that shouldn’t be too much to ask. But right now, all of it seems at risk. Governors have never mattered more.

(Applause)

And in this state, I am determined to build prosperity for all of our citizens. And I’ve heard from thousands of you about what liberty and prosperity mean to you. What it’s going to take for your family to thrive. So I hear you, Newark. I’m going to work with communities from the ground up, so all of our neighbors thrive. I hear you, Evesham, so I’m going to declare a state of emergency on day one to drive down your utility costs. I hear you, Westfield, so I’m going to make sure our kids are safe online and schools have the resources they need to address the mental health crisis. I hear you, Jersey City, so I’m going to hold government accountable, balancing individual liberty with collective responsibility, ensuring people are safe, healthy, educated, and free to pursue their dreams. I hear you, New Jersey. Good government doesn’t just manage problems, it solves them.

(Applause)

So I’m going to continue to listen and work with you to move our state forward because I have learned so much as I’ve traveled our state. Our innovation, our businesses, our inventors, and entrepreneurs have amazed me. But it’s the people, the people that have left the biggest mark. Especially those who are fighting for prosperity for their entire communities. I was moved during my Block Walk in Trenton with Shanique. and she spoke so passionately about the promise of her city and her neighbors, despite the challenges. I love the group of young men from Monroe who’ve been hard at work on this campaign. They want a seat at the table and they’re ready to fight for their future. The little girls who come up to me to say that they’re going to be a governor, or they’re going to be a president. It reminds me of my own belief that anything was possible. Joachim’s team, who worked their butts off…

(Applause)

Knocked over 60,000 doors. Joachim told me these are not the kids who will succeed in Trump’s vision of this country, but they will in mine. The men and women in labor.

(Applause)

Union jobs, at a time where our economy is set up to make it harder and harder for working people, you know what, they don’t just fight for their brothers and sisters in labor, they fight for all of us. For working families everywhere, so everyone has a shot. So thank you. Thank you to each and every person here tonight, and across the state who’s worked hard over the last year. Thanks to the thousands of volunteers, who made millions of calls, texts, and canvasses. To everyone who’s ready to stand and demand a better future for our kids and our families.

To my running mate, Dr. Dale Caldwell, you’ve already served our state so well, and I’m proud to have you by my side as we embark upon this new chapter for New Jersey. To my team, who put together a campaign the likes of which this state has never seen and helped in our efforts to create a great future for New Jersey. And thanks to my family, who put up with missed soccer games, lacrosse games, football games, volleyball games, swim meets, and rugby games, all to put up with this, so thank you. And a special thanks to my husband, Jason. Through four kids, two dogs, a hamster, numerous goldfish, five campaigns, an insurrection, and two impeachments, you have been a truly amazing partner.

So thank you to everyone who’s joining me in fighting for a better future. I know these are tough times. I know not everyone voted for me. But I’m working for everyone. Every single one of you. When we all do better, we all do better. So tomorrow begins a new day. And on each new day in New Jersey, the sun rises over the Statue of Liberty. A daily reminder of her promise. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breath free.

She declares that her lamp lights the path to the golden door. That golden door is New Jersey. It always has been, and that expectation is well-deserved. Especially after this election, where we chose, we’re going to follow Lady Liberty’s beacon. We’re not going to give in to our darker impulses. Here in New Jersey, we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings. We take oaths to a constitution, not a king. We’ve chosen liberty, the very foundation of democracy, and we’ve chosen prosperity necessary to create opportunity for all.

So New Jersey, to quote the boss, the future is now, roll up your sleeves, let your passion flow, the country we carry in our hearts is waiting. Thank you, New Jersey. Thank you.