Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic contender for governor of New Jersey, held a press conference at a commuter train station after President Donald Trump’s recent threats to cancel federal funding for the Gateway Project. The project, which involves the construction of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River, is a critical component of the region’s transportation infrastructure. Sherrill, who is running against GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli, criticized Ciattarelli’s support for the project, saying, ‘That’s rich,’ in reference to Trump’s potential reversal of funding for the tunnel. The Gateway Project has been a long-standing political issue, with Democrats generally supporting its expansion to reduce congestion and improve public transit.
Sherrill’s appearance at a commuter train station was symbolic, given the project’s impact on regional commuting. She emphasized the importance of the Gateway Project in connecting New Jersey and New York City, stating that the project’s completion would provide a vital alternative to the aging Pennsylvaia Station. Her remarks highlight the broader political implications of Trump’s potential decision to cancel federal funding for the project, which could significantly impact the region’s transportation plans.
Ciattarelli’s support for the Gateway Project aligns with his pro-Trump stance, as the project has been a key part of Trump’s infrastructure agenda. However, Sherrill’s criticism of Ciattare,lli’s position reflects the Democratic Party’s position on infrastructure spending, which generally favors public investment over private funding. The Gateway Project, which has faced delays and funding challenges for years, remains a critical issue for the state’s transportation planning efforts. Sherrill’s press conference, held at a commuter train station, was intended to highlight the project’s importance to the region’s residents and to distance herself from Ciattarelli’s support for the Trump administration’s policies on infrastructure spending.