Overview

• Trump administration officials said roughly $18 billion in infrastructure funds are on hold, including money tied to the Gateway/Hudson River tunnel, as Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli trade blame over the shutdown’s cause and consequences.
• After a National Archives branch released largely unredacted copies of Sherrill’s military records, the agency apologized and its inspector general opened an inquiry, fueling new attack ads and legal accusations from both sides.
• Recent polling remains mixed, with a John Zogby Strategies survey showing Sherrill leading 50%–42% and other polls indicating a narrower margin or a tie, underscoring significant undecided independents before early voting on Oct. 25 and Election Day on Nov. 4.
• Spending is on pace to set records, with at least $72.3 million already committed for the general election and major outside support flowing in, including more than $20 million from a DGA‑backed super PAC for Sherrill and roughly $11 million from GOP‑aligned groups for Ciattarelli.
• Affordability and taxes dominate the campaign as Sherrill labels her opponent “high tax Jack” and pledges not to raise the sales tax, Ciattarelli vows no tax increases, and Sherrill distances herself from endorsing New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani.