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New Jersey Governor’s Race Tightens After Fiery Final Debate

The closing forum crystallized the personal controversies and affordability plans defining a toss-up contest viewed as an early test of Trump’s standing.

Republican Jack Ciattarelli, left, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill shake hands at the end of the final debate in the New Jersey governor's race, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New Brunswick, N.J. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Democrat Mikie Sherrill, right, waits during a break at the final debate in the New Jersey governor's race with Republican Jack Ciattarelli on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Republican Jack Ciattarelli, left, looks on while Democrat Mikie Sherrill speaks during the final debate in the New Jersey governor's race, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Republican Jack Ciattarelli, left, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill participate in the final debate in the New Jersey governor's race, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in New Brunswick, NJ.

Overview

  • Mikie Sherrill accused Jack Ciattarelli of profiting from pharma-backed opioid messaging and a related app, allegations he rejected as a lie while defending his career.
  • Jack Ciattarelli pressed Sherrill to release her Naval Academy disciplinary records as she blamed his ally for obtaining her improperly released files; the National Archives has acknowledged and apologized for the erroneous disclosure.
  • The candidates highlighted their ties to national politics by grading President Trump, with Ciattarelli giving him an A and Sherrill an F, underscoring the race’s nationalization.
  • On energy costs and affordability, Sherrill vowed to declare a state of emergency on utility prices, while Ciattarelli said he would withdraw New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
  • Polling shows a competitive contest in the final weeks, and campaigns are intensifying Latino outreach, with UnidosUS Action Fund expected to endorse Sherrill.