Buttigieg Endorses Mikie Sherrill as Gateway Tunnel Project Sparks Political Clash in New Jersey Governor’s Race
Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg endorsed the Gateway Tunnel project Thursday morning in New Jersey, despite the rain and dreary sky. They attended the Westfield train station to support the $16 billion infrastructure proposal and criticize Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli and former President Donald Trump, who cut financing for the project.
Buttigieg, who worked under President Joe Biden, said the election would define New Jersey’s objectives. In front of 100 supporters and commuters, he urged voters to evaluate who represents the state’s interests. “Leadership means standing up for what keeps New Jersey moving forward,” Buttigieg said. “If a candidate can’t defend the Hudson Tunnel, how can we trust him to defend the people who use it daily?”
One of the nation’s most important rail infrastructure projects, the Gateway project, has long been considered crucial for boosting New Jersey-New York train service. The project’s abandonment might cost the state millions in daily losses owing to construction delays, rising material prices, and federal trade rules, Sherrill said. “This isn’t just about transportation—it’s about jobs, growth, and reliability,” Sherrill said. “New Jersey pays the price every day we wait.”
The congresswoman’s comments followed President Trump’s October tunnel funding cut. The decision outraged state officials and transportation supporters who cheered the project’s approval earlier this year. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the tunnel’s status is under review, but its future is questionable.
Sherrill threatened to sue the federal government for 2024 agreements. “We’ll do whatever it takes to advance the project,” she stated. “New Jersey deserves leaders who fight for community commitments.”
The Democratic candidate also criticized Ciattarelli for opposing the ARC tunnel, the Gateway project’s previous iteration, which Christie canceled in 2010. Sherrill claimed that the Republican candidate has neglected public transportation and prioritized political loyalty over state needs. “We’ve seen what happens when leaders abandon transit investment,” she said. The shortsighted judgments still cost New Jerseyans.
Ciattarelli’s team promptly accused Sherrill of making the Gateway issue a distraction from her voting record. His spokeswoman, Chris Russell, reaffirmed that Ciattarelli supports tunnel completion and will engage with federal authorities from both parties to achieve funds. Russell stated, “Jack will fight to get New Jersey’s fair share of tax dollars and ensure the Gateway project moves forward responsibly.
To boost efficiency and cut costs, the former state assemblyman suggested merging multiple transportation agencies. His idea would unite NJ Transit, the Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to examine train and bus routes based on ridership. Sherrill believes Ciattarelli’s strategy risks lowering service and abandoning transit-dependent communities.
Sherrill sees the Gateway Tunnel as New Jersey’s economic future, not just a campaign issue. She said that the initiative may reduce commutes, create construction jobs, and improve regional connectivity. “This project is about keeping New Jersey open for business,” she told supporters. “We cannot afford to let politics stall progress.”
Gateway Tunnel has become a defining issue as November election approaches, highlighting the huge disparities between the two contenders. The Raritan Valley Line voters’ stakes are personal. Many have fought for decades for direct access to New York, which the Gateway initiative may achieve.
Thursday’s gathering showed that New Jersey’s transportation future discussion is about leadership, accountability, and the state’s destiny. The Gateway project’s political maelstrom continued as rain pelted the gathering.
Sources
Statements from Mikie Sherrill’s campaign event in Westfield
Remarks by former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Comments from Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign representatives
Official updates from the U.S. Department of Transportation
