Overview

• A new Quinnipiac poll shows Democrat Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli 49% to 41%, consistent with recent single‑digit advantages found by FDU and Rutgers.
• In their first debate, Sherrill worked to tie Ciattarelli to President Trump’s agenda as he emphasized independence while defending portions of the administration’s policies.
• Energy costs dominated as Sherrill pledged a day‑one freeze on utility rate hikes and faster clean‑energy buildout with tougher oversight of grid operators, while Ciattarelli vowed to block offshore wind, expand nuclear, accelerate rooftop solar and withdraw from RGGI.
• Candidates clashed over federal policy ripple effects in New Jersey, including Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, Medicaid work and verification rules, and potential Education Department downsizing.
• The off‑year race has drawn heavy national attention and record spending, with Ad Impact tracking more than $91 million in ads by late August and vote‑by‑mail now underway 45 days before Election Day.