New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli launched a fierce attack on his Democratic opponent, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, during a Saturday town hall with voters, casting her as out of step with the state’s values and aligned with national Democrats. Ciattarelli called out Sherrill for her stance on immigration, policing, and ethics, labeling her as not a centrist and accusing her of supporting policies that diverge from New Jersey’s interests.
In his remarks, Ciattarelli highlighted Sherrill’s alleged support for open border policies, citing her voting record on the Laken Riley Act, which seeks to address immigration enforcement. He also criticized her stance on transgender athletes, claiming she voted for policies allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports, despite claims that she has actually opposed such measures. The candidate further accused Sherrill of backing sanctuary cities and opposing police accountability measures, including qualified immunity, which aligns with her advocacy for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
On ethics, Ciattarelli brought up Sherrill’s past violations of the STOCK Act, involving late disclosures of stock trades, and noted her family’s ownership of shares in defense companies while she served on the House Armed Services Committee. He also referenced her involvement in the 1994 Naval Academy cheating scandal, which resulted in disciplinary actions and barred her from walking at graduation despite her commissioning.
Ciattarelli aimed to cast Sherrill as a left-wing candidate with ties to national Democrats, despite her record of caucusing with moderates and her current membership in the New Democrat Coalition. The race is shaping up to be a critical election for New Jersey, with Ciattarelli emphasizing his local roots and family history in the state, positioning himself as a homegrown alternative to Sherrill, who is a Navy pilot and former Virginian.
Both campaigns have been asked for comment, and the race remains a key contest in the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election, with polls indicating a close race between the two candidates.