Overview
- Rutgers–Eagleton’s Oct. 3–17 poll shows Mikie Sherrill leading Jack Ciattarelli 50% to 45% (±4.7 points), consistent with other surveys showing a competitive, narrowing race.
- On Friday night, President Trump headlined a tele-rally for Ciattarelli and attacked Sherrill’s energy agenda, as 52% of voters in Rutgers–Eagleton’s survey called Trump a major factor in their decision.
- In-person early voting started Saturday, both campaigns touted mail-ballot returns and ground operations, and Barack Obama is slated to rally with Sherrill in Newark on Nov. 1.
- Affordability and energy policy drive the contrast: Sherrill proposes a utility rate-hike freeze and expanded solar, storage and grid upgrades, while Ciattarelli vows to roll back clean-energy mandates and ban offshore wind.
- The Hill reports the Justice Department will deploy election monitors in New Jersey during the off-year elections, as scrutiny over Sherrill’s Naval Academy records remains part of the campaign backdrop.