Overview

• A Quinnipiac poll shows Mikie Sherrill leading Jack Ciattarelli 49% to 41%, consistent with other recent single-digit surveys.
• The candidates meet for their first debate tonight at 7 p.m. at Rider University, with a livestream available across major platforms including YouTube and C‑SPAN.
• Ad spending is projected to reach about $140 million, with more than $91 million already spent by Aug. 26, according to Ad Impact.
• Energy costs have become a flashpoint as utilities pass on higher PJM supply costs and grid bottlenecks; Sherrill backs a day-one rate freeze and faster clean-energy buildout.
• Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli underscores national stakes, while polling highlights taxes as voters’ top issue and shows Sherrill with a sizable advantage among women; vote-by-mail mailings can begin 45 days before Nov. 4.