The recent New Jersey gubernatorial debate put affordability at the forefront as candidates Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., and Jack Ciattarelli engaged in heated discussions over tax policies and utility rate hikes. Ciattarelli seized on Sherrill’s refusal to commit to a sales tax increase, accusing her of being fiscally irresponsible. Both candidates have framed their campaigns as solutions to New Jersey’s affordability crisis, with electricity costs set to rise by 17%-20% by June 1.
While Ciattarelli pledged against any sales tax increase during the debate, Sherrill’s comments about not committing to any specific policies have drawn criticism. Ciattarelli quickly capitalized on this, posting on X that