"President Trump loomed large as New Jersey's candidates for governor, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, met on the debate stage for the first time Sunday night. Questions from the moderator and audience members ranged from taxes and cost of living in the state to education to artificial intelligence. Sherrill repeatedly tried to link her opponent to the president during the town hall-style debate. "He'll do whatever Trump tells him to do," Sherrill said in her opening statement."
"Clash over rising costs Sherrill and Ciattarelli disagreed about what is to blame for rising costs in New Jersey. Sherrill blamed higher prices on Mr. Trump and his One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tariffs. "All he does is say that Trump's right - it's OK to drive up your tariffs. It's OK to have the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which drives up your health care and utility costs," she said. "Not on my watch." Ciattarelli blamed New Jersey's high tax rates on Democrats who have run the state government in recent years. "The Democrats have controlled our state legislature for 25 years," he charged. "The Democrats have controlled the executive branch, the governorship for eight years and look where we are today.""
Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli faced off in their first debate, with President Trump becoming a focal point. Questions covered taxes, cost of living, education and artificial intelligence. Sherrill repeatedly sought to connect Ciattarelli to Trump, asserting he would follow the president's lead. Ciattarelli emphasized independence and pledged to represent New Jersey citizens regardless of who is in the White House. The candidates disputed the causes of rising costs: Sherrill blamed Trump-era policies and tariffs, while Ciattarelli blamed prolonged Democratic control of state government. Campaign ad spending has surged and Sherrill has consistently led in polls.
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