LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli sparred over the economy, President Donald Trump’s leadership, and political division as they faced off Sunday night for the opening debate in New Jersey’s high-stakes governor’s race.
It was a combative affair for much of the night. Ciattarelli repeatedly cast his opponent as dishonest and vague, while Sherrill questioned the former CEO’s math skills and loyalty to Trump. At times, people in the crowd shouted insults and had to be hushed by the moderator.
Security was tight at the town hall-style debate held at Rider University. The event unfolded shortly after the memorial for slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk in Arizona. The tense national climate looms over the contest in New Jersey, which has drawn intense interest from the White House, activists, and political leaders on both sides, with Election Day just six weeks away.
Long considered a reliably blue state in national elections, New Jersey has swung between Republicans and Democrats during its odd-year gubernatorial elections. Trump lost here by just six points last fall, a testament to his appeal among the state’s large working-class population.
**Trump at the Center of the Debate**
As he often does, Trump played a central role in the debate despite being thousands of miles away at Kirk’s memorial. Sherrill repeatedly linked Ciattarelli to the Republican president, his far-right MAGA movement, and his more controversial policies. This was her most consistent theme throughout the 90-minute debate and highlighted her effort to nationalize the state contest.
“He’ll do whatever Trump tells him to do,” Sherrill declared in her opening statement.
Ciattarelli, meanwhile, did not criticize Trump or break with the Republican president on any issue. He expressed support for Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget bill, his plans to end the Department of Education, and to revise national vaccine policies. At the same time, he described himself as “independent” and tried to create some distance between himself and the president.
“My job is to advocate for the 9.3 million citizens of this state, and I’ll always do right by the citizens of this state, no matter who occupies the White House,” Ciattarelli said.
**A Free Speech Clash on a Somber Night**
Both candidates weighed in on Kirk’s death, condemned political violence, and vowed to defend free speech. Yet there were few moments of unity on a night that was tense from start to finish and featured several harsh exchanges.
At one point, Sherrill questioned her opponent’s math skills. “I can see why your career as a CPA was so short-lived, because your math just doesn’t add up, Jack,” she jabbed.
Ciattarelli pushed back: “She knows she’s in trouble in this campaign, so this campaign is going to lie to you over and over again.”
Kirk’s assassination fueled some of the debate’s heaviest moments. Ciattarelli took aim directly at Sherrill’s response to Kirk’s murder, charging that she condemned him almost immediately after supporting a resolution to celebrate Kirk’s life.
“That’s a neat trick to say you don’t want to divide people, and then in your answer, bring up something that’s very divisive,” Sherrill responded. “I can’t even imagine how the Kirk family feels, and that should never happen to anyone because they speak out.”
She also highlighted some of Kirk’s more divisive rhetoric and referenced ABC’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after comments he made about Kirk’s killing.
“I think it is fair to have free speech, but I think it should go to everyone, to Jimmy Kimmel and to myself as well,” Sherrill said.
**Who Are They?**
With Election Day just six weeks away, it was clear the candidates were still working to introduce themselves to voters who may just now be paying attention to the off-year election.
As she has throughout the campaign, Sherrill focused on her background as a Naval Academy graduate and Navy helicopter pilot. She was a federal prosecutor before being elected to Congress in 2018 in a longtime Republican-held district in northern New Jersey.
“I have a different kind of background, so I’m going to be a different kind of governor,” Sherrill said.
Ciattarelli, in his third bid for governor, emphasized his family’s New Jersey roots, which he says go back a century. A certified public accountant, he owned a medical publishing company that he sold in 2017. He was a local and state elected leader before running for governor in 2017 and 2021.
“New Jersey, we need change. We need a hands-on CEO governor who is from New Jersey that knows exactly what needs to be done and is willing to do it,” Ciattarelli said.
**Whose Economy Is This?**
Rising costs were a major focus of the debate, with the candidates clashing over who and what is to blame.
Sherrill blamed higher prices on the Republican president, his “big, beautiful bill,” and his tariffs.
“All he does is say that Trump’s right — it’s okay to drive up your tariffs. It’s okay to have the one big, beautiful bill, which drives up your health care and utility costs,” she said. “Not on my watch.”
Ciattarelli sought to link New Jersey’s high tax rates to the Democrats who have led state government in recent years.
“The Democrats have controlled our state legislature for 25 years,” he said. “The Democrats have controlled the executive branch, the governorship for eight years, and look where we are today.”
https://wgntv.com/politics-3/ap-politics/ap-what-to-watch-for-in-the-opening-debate-in-the-race-for-new-jersey-governor/