A new statewide poll by yes. every kid. finds New Jersey voters want more say in their kids’ education—and it could shape the 2025 governor’s race. The survey, covered exclusively by the New Jersey Globe, shows strong bipartisan support for education freedom policies.
Education Freedom is Important to All Voters
Likely voters support education freedom and want New Jersey’s next governor to focus on it.
- 69% support education freedom, including 47% who strongly support it.
- 70% believe it is extremely or very important for the next governor to improve K-12 education.
- 93% say improving K-12 education will be important to their vote in November.
- 35% rank education freedom as the most important issue within K-12 education for the next governor to focus on, ranking second only behind increasing funding (38%).
Support Across NJ for Universal Open Enrollment
Likely voters support families being able to choose any public school in New Jersey.
- 58% support expanding open enrollment to all school districts in New Jersey so any child can attend any public school that best meets their needs.
- 60% support letting families decide the public school their child attends.
Desire for Refundable Tax Credit
Likely voters are on board with establishing a refundable tax credit in New Jersey. 58% support a refundable education tax credit for New Jersey families to use to offset education related expenses for their children.
2025 Gubernatorial Race
U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has the edge in the upcoming gubernatorial contest.
- Mikie Sherrill: 48%
- Jack Ciattarelli: 41%
- Undecided: 10%
What we’re saying:
“New Jersey’s next governor has a real opportunity to lead on expanding options for families to curate their children’s educational experiences… voters want more education freedom.”
— Erica Jedynak, Chief Operating Officer, yes. every kid.
Methodology
Conducted among 704 likely NJ voters, 76% text-to-web, 24% live phone interviews, from September 20-22, 2025. Margin of error: +/- 3.7%.
