21st Legislative District Election Snapshot

Affordability and concerns about overdevelopment are the top two issues among voters.

Written by an Educator in the District

NJ21st surveyed voters over a two-week period from September 29th to October 12th on the top issues and the candidates on the ballot this year in our district and statewide. There were 21 responses to the survey. The survey was attached to a NJ21st article on September 29th.

Of the 21 responses, all respondents pledged that they live in the 21st district, which covers portions of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties.

When asked what their top issue is, in first place, one-third of voters (7 votes) responded that “affordable housing/ redevelopment/ overdevelopment” was their top issue. In second place, six (6) voters (29%) labeled their top concern as “affordability (property taxes, etc.).” In third place (14%), three (3) voters selected “Education matters.” Five remaining answers, including taxes, utility costs, public safety, government transparency, and clean energy, received one vote each.

When asked for their second-most important issue, in first place, five (5) voters (24%) chose “Affordability (property taxes, etc.).” In second place, four (4) voters (19%) selected “The economy (including small business growth).” Tied for third place, three voters each (14% each) chose “education matters” and “government transparency.”

The survey also polled voters if they plan on voting in this general election. All voters surveyed plan on voting, though methods varied. Nine (9) respondents, or 43%, stated they plan on voting in-person on election day. Eight (8) voters, or 38%, plan on voting early in-person. Four (4) respondents, or 19%, said they will vote by mail.

In the 21st district State Assembly race where four candidates are running for two seats, two-thirds of individuals surveyed here (14 of 21 respondents) stated that they will vote for incumbent Republicans Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis. Six (6) respondents, or 29%, stated they will vote for Democrat Andrew Macurdy and five (5) respondents, or 24%, stated they will vote for Democrat Vincent Kearney. Our poll conducted, being small in size with only 21 respondents, is likely oversampling Republicans. In 2023, the most recent State Assembly election, Munoz and Matsikoudis won with an average of 52% compared to the Democrats’ 48%.

For Governor, 13 respondents (62%) chose Republican Jack Ciattarelli as their preferred choice. Five respondents (24%) chose Democrat Mikie Sherrill as their preferred choice. One respondent chose the Libertarian party nominee Vic Kaplan, one respondent is undecided, and one respondent preferred not to reveal their choice. In 2021, Governor Murphy edged out Ciattarelli in the 21st district.

Again, only 21 respondents took this survey between September 29th and October 12, 2025. However, themes from this survey include affordability, concerns regarding over-development, and a strong Republican lean in a purple district. We will see if this sticks on election day.

NJ21st allows for confidentially sourced articles from employees of local government agencies or volunteers of non-profits whose organizations would take retaliatory action against their employees and , in the case of volunteer organizations, officers for exercising their right to express an opinion about local government. We have verified the confidential source for this article and have met with him/her face to face.

Editor’s Note
This survey isn’t meant to be an authoritative final word on what every voter in 21st District thinks. With 21 people responding, it’s more of a snapshot than a scientific poll.

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