Candidates clash over Trump, costs and political divisions in New Jersey governor's debate
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli clashed over the economy, President Donald Trump’s leadership and political divisions as they faced off Sunday night for the opening debate in New Jersey’s high-stakes governor’s race.
Security was tight at the town hall-style debate at Rider University, which played out shortly after the memorial for slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk in Arizona.
The tense national climate looms over the contest in New Jersey, which has drawn intense interest from the White House, political activists and political leaders on both sides with Election Day just six weeks away.
Long considered a reliably blue state in national elections, New Jersey has swung between Republicans and Democrats during its odd-year gubernatorial elections. Trump lost here by just 6 points last fall, a credit to his appeal among the state’s large working-class population.
Here are some top takeaways from Sunday night’s 90-minute affair:
Trump at the center of the debate
Trump, as he often does, played a central role in the debate even while being thousands of miles away at Kirk’s memorial.
Sherrill repeatedly sought to link Ciattarelli to the Republican president and his far-right MAGA movement. Trump lost New Jersey three times, although he performed better last year than in the previous elections.
“He’ll do whatever Trump tells him to do,” Sherrill said in her opening statement.
Ciattarelli defended the president and specifically praised Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” ignoring its sweeping health care cuts and pointing to tax credits that benefited New Jersey residents. At the same time, he also tried to create some space between him and the president.
“My job is to advocate for the 9.3 million citizens of this state, and I’ll always do right by the citizens of this state, no matter who occupies the White House,” Ciattarelli said.
A free speech clash on a somber night
Both candidates weighed in on Kirk’s death, condemned political violence and vowed to defend free speech.
And yet there were few moments of unity on a night that featured several pointed clashes.
“She knows she’s in trouble in this campaign so this campaign is going to lie to you over and over again,” Ciattarelli said at one point when the debate shifted to taxes.
He also condemned Sherrill’s reaction to Kirk’s death.
“My opponent on Friday went down to Washington, voted ‘yes’ on a resolution to celebrate Charlie Kirk’s life, but then within minutes, sent out a statement that basically condemned him,” he said.
“That’s a neat trick to say you don’t want to divide people, and then in your answer, bring up something that’s very divisive,” Sherrill slapped back. “I can’t even imagine how the Kirk family feels, and that should never happen to anyone because they speak out.”
She also highlighted some of Kirk’s more divisive rhetoric and referenced ABC's suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after comments that he made about Kirk's killing.
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