Sherrill and Ciattarelli Spar Over Opioids, Taxes, and Records in Final New Jersey Governor Debate

Republicans Jack Ciattarelli and Democrats Mikie Sherrill debated for an hour in New Brunswick on Wednesday, their penultimate debate before November’s New Jersey governor race. One of this tight campaign’s most heated debates covered the opioid problem, property taxes, military records, and national politics.

Sherrill accused Ciattarelli’s former medical publishing company of disseminating pro-opioid narratives that murdered thousands of New Jerseyans. She claimed pharmaceutical companies spent millions promoting literature claiming opioid use was negligible in chronic pain patients without substance abuse. Cittarelli denied misconduct, calling allegations of the company’s propaganda politically motivated, and denied wrongdoing.

The conversation became personal when Ciattarelli asked Sherrill for military paperwork from a Naval Academy incident, including a reprimand that prohibited her from going to graduation. He claimed to have no secrets. Sherrill said Ciattarelli’s team stole her data and ignored opioid allegations.

Ciattarelli gave Trump a “A” for introducing national politics. His support for Trump’s border security and tax ideas was evident. Sherrill gave Trump a “F,” calling him a harmful influence and stating her campaign was nonpartisan.

State issues were raised alongside personal insults. Sherrill urged an emergency declaration to cut power rates. Democratic legislative pushback and retiring Governor Phil Murphy’s objections forced Ciattarelli to abandon that idea. He said New Jersey would leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a million-dollar burden.

Both candidates promised economic and governance affordability, but their methods differed. Ciattarelli reduced taxes, decreased state spending, and exploited his business knowledge. Sherrill defended consumer rights, government transparency, and moderate critical service preservation.

In uncommon accord, both opposed resident gas pumping. Both committed to defend NJ’s self-service fueling ban.

With early voting and the election weeks away, this debate may be both candidates’ last chance to influence undecided voters. This election challenged New Jerseyans’ views on national leadership, state responsibility, and official accountability.

Sources
Associated Press
WHYY
ABC7 New York