New Jersey wins $847M Powerball jackpot, ending 35-drawing drought

Key points

• The winning ticket was sold at a Wegmans supermarket in Montvale, New Jersey, on the morning of November 4, 2026.
• The winning numbers were 15, 34, 41, 53, 56, with Powerball 21 and a 2x Power Play multiplier.
• The jackpot was the ninth-largest in Powerball history and the second-largest of 2026, following a $1.04 billion win in Illinois in August.
• The winner has until November 4, 2027, to claim the prize and can remain anonymous under New Jersey law.
• The store manager, Nick Tassi, received a $30,000 bonus check, which Wegmans will donate to the Check Out Hunger campaign.
• The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for November 7, 2026, with the jackpot resetting to $20 million.

Background

This win follows a 35-drawing streak without a jackpot winner. The previous largest jackpot in 2026 was $1.04 billion, won in Illinois in August. New Jersey has had 12 jackpot winners since 2018, second only to California and Florida. The largest jackpot in New Jersey history was $1.128 billion, won in Neptune in March 2024.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and Bergen Record emphasize the local impact, highlighting the Montvale Wegmans location and the store manager's donation to charity. Scripps News focuses on the 35-drawing drought and the historical significance of the jackpot. Fox Business provides context on the annuity versus lump sum options and the odds of winning. All sources agree on the winning numbers and the prize amount, but differ in emphasis on local versus national significance.

Why it matters

The $847 million jackpot is a significant event in lottery history, ending a long streak without a winner and providing a substantial prize for the winner. It also highlights the impact of lottery sales on local communities and charitable causes.

What to watch

The winner must claim the prize by November 4, 2027. The next Powerball drawing is on November 7, 2026, with the jackpot resetting to $20 million. Lottery officials advise winners to consult legal, tax, and financial professionals.