New Jersey governor’s race: Sherrill, Ciattarelli face off in second debate (live transcript)

From the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and Rutgers University — the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial debate, Your Voice, Your Vote, sponsored by ABC7 in New York, WPVI 6ABC in Philadelphia, The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, and the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. Tonight, two visions for Trenton take center stage. Our candidates are Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill. And now, Action News Anchor Tamala Edwards and Eyewitness News Anchor Bill Ritter.

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this debate between the Republican and Democratic candidates for Governor of New Jersey. I’m Bill Ritter.

And I’m Tamala Edwards. Over the next hour, the candidates will answer questions from Bill and myself, as well as questions from our media partner, Univision. The candidates will also answer some questions submitted by voters through an online questionnaire.

Bill Ritter: This debate was authorized by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Gubernatorial candidates are mandated to participate in this debate under state law as a condition of accepting matching funds under New Jersey’s gubernatorial public financing program.

Tamala Edwards: Under the debate rules, the candidate to whom the question is posed will have one minute to answer, followed by a one-minute response from the opposing candidate. The candidate who received the initial question will then receive a 30-second rebuttal. The candidates have agreed to a 30-second opening statement and a one-minute closing statement at the end of our debate.

Bill Ritter: Okay, so those are the ground rules. We’re going to begin with the candidates’ opening statements, and by prior draw, it will start with Jack Ciattarelli.

Jack Ciattarelli: In New Jersey, we need change. We need an honest, qualified, hands-on CEO governor who will bring that change. Why? We have an over-development crisis in our suburban communities, an affordability crisis from property taxes and electric bills, a public-safety crisis because we don’t let our police do their jobs, and a public-education crisis because we’ve watered down the curriculum. Tonight, I’ll give you specific policy proposals on how to fix all the things that make New Jersey so broken. I look forward to tonight’s debate.

Mikie Sherrill: Good evening, New Jersey. I’m Mikie Sherrill. I have a different background, so I’ll be a different kind of governor. I was a Navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor, member of Congress, and mom of four. I’m laser-focused on driving down your costs and making New Jersey more affordable. I’ll declare a state of emergency on energy costs, make government more accountable to you, make it safer and more affordable, and always fight for all of you.

Tamala Edwards: Congresswoman Sherrill, according to World Population Review, it costs 14% more to live in New Jersey than the national average. What three specific things would you do to ease that burden?

Mikie Sherrill: I hear about this constantly from voters. On day one, I’ll declare a state of emergency on energy prices to freeze rate hikes. I’ll take on PBMs — the middlemen who inflate drug prices — to drive down health-care costs, and I’ll go after landlords colluding to raise rents. So housing, health-care, and utility costs. I’ll tackle them immediately. And quite frankly, my opponent won’t, because his top donor is under investigation for driving up rental prices.

Jack Ciattarelli: My opponent’s plan isn’t feasible. Even the governor, a member of her own party, said he doesn’t think she can do that. Not one of the 77 Democratic legislators has endorsed her energy plan. I’ll pull New Jersey out of RGGI, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative — a carbon-tax scheme costing us $300–$500 million a year with no cleaner air to show for it. We must also reform school funding to reduce property taxes, expand affordable housing smartly, and ease child-care costs for families.

Mikie Sherrill: None of that drives costs down. He’s voted against over a billion dollars in property-tax relief and raised taxes at every level of government he’s served in.

Bill Ritter: Property taxes average over $10,000 a year in New Jersey, and the federal deduction is capped. Would you lower them?

Jack Ciattarelli: We need a new school-funding formula. Fifteen to twenty percent of your bill is municipal, another fifteen to twenty percent is county, but sixty to seventy percent is schools. We’ll distribute aid more fairly and make all property taxes deductible on state returns, retirement income tax-free, and cap property taxes at 1% for first-time homebuyers. My opponent voted no on the bill that lets you deduct up to $40,000 federally and provides child-care and tuition credits.

Mikie Sherrill: Anyone truly fighting for New Jersey wouldn’t raise taxes everywhere they’ve served. He’s voted against relief for seniors and backed Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” which gutted our deductions by $30 billion. And he even voted to give rapists parental rights over their victims — that’s not fighting for New Jersey.

Jack Ciattarelli: My opponent has lied throughout this campaign, claiming I’d raise the sales tax to 10%. That’s false. I’ve outlined specific plans to lower income and property taxes. At the last debate she refused to say she wouldn’t raise the sales tax — that’s not relief.

Moderator: Congresswoman, the Ciattarelli campaign is asking for the full release of your military records; the National Archives says it mistakenly released your personal information two weeks ago. Since then, there have been questions about why you were not allowed to participate in the graduation ceremonies at the Naval Academy more than 30 years ago. Can you explain to voters why you were not allowed to participate?

Mikie Sherrill: I’ve addressed that. I didn’t turn in some of my classmates, so I didn’t walk at graduation. I went on to graduate and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. I held positions of trust as a helicopter pilot, a Russia policy officer, and as flag aide to the deputy commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during the Cole bombing and after 9/11. I received numerous awards, held the highest levels of security clearance. What really demands an answer is why my opponent won’t take accountability for the release of those records. There’s a federal investigation into how a member of his team, whom he vetted as his running mate, got access and then blasted my information to reporters. Either he’s really incompetent, or he’s lying.

Jack Ciattarelli: Mikie said she’s the most transparent gubernatorial candidate of all time. If so, approve the release of her disciplinary records at the Naval Academy so we know why she was punished. There was a cheating scandal in the early ’90s while she was there. We know she wasn’t allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, and her name wasn’t in the program. She says it’s because she didn’t turn in classmates — that’s West Point’s honor code, not the Naval Academy’s; you don’t get punished for that. I think she was punished for something else and should come clean. The National Archives has taken responsibility and apologized for the FOIA release. That was perfectly legal.

Mikie Sherrill: The Archives may have apologized, but there’s a federal investigation. We’ve seen this administration release personal data on many people; seniors bring me their concerns all the time. We have a president telling governors to turn over voting records and license plate numbers, and now my opponent’s team turned over my information to reporters. I’m not opening up hundreds of my classmates’ records so he can go on a witch hunt. He should take responsibility and return the records he still holds.

Tamala Edwards: Mr. Ciattarelli, your opponent has criticized your connections to President Trump, who endorsed you. Do you consider yourself part of the MAGA movement, and in this divided state, can you name one Trump policy you support and one you oppose?

Jack Ciattarelli: I’m part of a New Jersey movement. We need change. Taxes are punishing the middle class. My family’s been here 100 years; I’ve served at every level of government, often declining salary and benefits. I agree with the president on securing the border. That’s national security — and I’ll ensure New Jersey is neither a sanctuary state nor has sanctuary cities. I disagree with the president on the Empire Wind project off Long Island. I don’t want wind farms off our Jersey Shore, and I’ll make his temporary halt permanent. Regardless of who’s in the White House, I’ll stand up for 9.3 million New Jerseyans, and it helps to have a working relationship to get things done.

Mikie Sherrill: He’s shown zero signs of standing up to this president; Trump called him “100% MAGA.” He said it’s his job to support the president. I think it’s a governor’s job to support the people of New Jersey. When Trump froze Gateway Tunnel funding, Jack said that’s not a New Jersey problem. I beg to differ — 200,000 riders use that tunnel daily, and nearly 100,000 jobs are at stake; delays cost $1 million a day. He even said New Jerseyans should accept some pain from Trump’s tariffs. I’d fight those tariffs, and as governor, I’d join the lawsuit.

Tamala Edwards: Mr. Ciattarelli?

Jack Ciattarelli: During the pandemic, Governor Murphy, who never had anything nice to say about Trump, went to the White House, had a productive conversation, and got the respirators we needed as ERs were overwhelmed. Relationships matter. You disagree respectfully when needed and agree when it helps New Jersey. Also, I’ll harness our congressional delegation to bring more federal dollars back. We’ve been a donor state for decades.

Tamala Edwards: A quick follow-up for both of you, about 15 seconds each. Mr. Ciattarelli, what grade do you give President Trump for his second term right now?

Jack Ciattarelli: I’d give the president an A. He’s right about securing the border; inflation is much lower than under Biden; he halted offshore wind; he’s pushing back on New York’s congestion pricing; and he quadrupled the SALT deduction.

Mikie Sherrill: That tells you who he supports. I give Trump an F. Costs are up for New Jersey families at every level, from tariffs that raise prices on coffee and groceries to that “big, beautiful bill” raising health-care, energy, and housing costs.

Bill Ritter: While we’re giving grades, 30 seconds. Congresswoman, what grade do you give Governor Murphy?

Mikie Sherrill: (I’d give him) a B. Paying into pensions and nine credit-rating upgrades are positives. But Trenton must be more responsive; I’ll drive accountability to lower costs. We need more housing — especially transit-oriented development — and I’d fight harder for infrastructure so people can get around the state more easily.

Jack Ciattarelli: It’s an F — worst governorship of our lifetime. Even many Democrats endorse me because they fear four more years of policy failure. We have crises in affordability (property taxes, electricity, housing, childcare), public education (watered-down curriculum), public safety (police not allowed to do their jobs), and overdevelopment in suburban communities. We need change.

Tamala Edwards: Congresswoman, we’re in a government shutdown. Democrats say this is to protect against Medicare cuts and rising premiums; Republicans argue you should fund the government and negotiate everything else. Why is a shutdown with workers furloughed and programs stopped better than doing that?

Mikie Sherrill: We’ve seen affordability cut at every level — tariffs, health-care costs, utility hikes tied to Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” They’ve taken health care from millions and want to cut support for those in the ACA markets. That’s what we’re fighting. With the president, Senate, and House all GOP, they need to reopen government so workers get paid and we keep driving down health-care costs.

Tamala Edwards: Mr. Ciattarelli.

Jack Ciattarelli: Reopen government — full stop. During the Biden-era shutdowns, she voted for continuing resolutions; now, with Trump in the White House, she voted no. I hope this ends immediately — 22,000 New Jerseyans are furloughed. This is Washington dysfunction. A governor’s job is to get things done; I have legislative relationships to do that. And if you get a flat tire tomorrow, get ready. She’ll blame President Trump.

Mikie Sherrill: He excuses Trump for everything. That’s who he works for. Facts: One in three children are on Medicaid; Trump’s cuts leave a $5 billion hole in our budget. He’s cut energy support amid a utility crisis, raising family costs by hundreds of dollars; he’s slashed Title I school funding, raising local taxes. I’ll fight that and fight Trenton to lower costs.

Bill Ritter: Thank you both. A question from our media partner for Mr. Ciattarelli. You’ll both have a chance to respond. From Univision, here’s Ana Patricia.

Ana Patricia (Univision): In our recent Univision town hall, you spoke about a “path to recognition” for undocumented immigrants. What exactly do you mean — are you referring to a path to citizenship?

Jack Ciattarelli: I supported securing the border — that’s national security. As governor, we won’t have sanctuary cities or be a sanctuary state; that only encourages illegal immigration and restricts local police. Anyone here illegally with a criminal history, either before coming or after, has to go back; anyone scamming government assistance goes back. Everyone else should be put on a pathway to recognition with a government-issued ID so people aren’t in the shadows or working under false Social Security numbers. That’s been my position.

Mikie Sherrill: “Path to recognition” isn’t a real status. I’m a former federal prosecutor. The only person on this stage who’s prosecuted a violent criminal who was then deported, and I care deeply about public safety. I’ve long supported comprehensive immigration reform: secure the border, create a pathway to citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients and for people working and paying taxes. That’s good for our economy. Jack says whatever suits the moment, but he’ll ultimately do what Trump tells him.

Jack Ciattarelli: The Congresswoman has been anything but strong on public safety. In Congress she voted to end qualified immunity, the bedrock protection for local law enforcement. She’s considered reappointing the current attorney general, the most anti-police AG we’ve ever had. She’s embraced Mamdani, who’s anti-police; I called on her to renounce that endorsement — Josh Shapiro and others already have. We want safe communities. That takes a governor, AG, 21 county prosecutors, and a State Police superintendent committed to safety.

Tamala Edwards: Congresswoman Sherrill, political tensions are high and people fear political violence. We recently saw the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and in 2020 a federal judge’s son was killed in a targeted attack here. What concrete steps would you take to bring people together without fear?

Mikie Sherrill: That was horrific. I practiced before that judge. We worked hard to pass Daniel’s Law to get resources to protect federal judges. Political violence undermines our democracy and discourages public service. As governor, I’ll ensure everyone’s safety and protect free speech without fear of violence — working with universities to keep students safe and keeping open lines with constituents across the spectrum.

Tamala Edwards: Mr. Ciattarelli.

Jack Ciattarelli: Since declaring for governor, she’s missed 90% of votes in Washington. A few Fridays ago, she skipped two important joint events in New Jersey to go vote “yes” on a resolution celebrating Charlie Kirk. I applaud the vote, but when she got flak from the left, she condemned him as a misogynist and racist. That’s inconsistent. The way to tamp down rhetoric is respectful leadership. I’ve always conducted myself respectfully; I won’t tarnish my family name or embarrass my kids. New Jersey is the most diverse state in the country. There’s power and beauty in that, and I embrace it. I’ll represent all 9.3 million New Jerseyans.

Bill Ritter: Congresswoman, briefly — 15 seconds?

Mikie Sherrill: That resolution was about free speech and standing against political violence, which I support. But I also have the right to speak out against views I disagree with. I asked my opponent to condemn Kirk, saying Martin Luther King was a “bad guy” and that women should be subservient — he would not. I’ll call that out.

Bill Ritter: Thank you. Next question: There’s no shortage of problems on NJ Transit. In the past week, the Trump administration stopped funding, delaying construction of the critically important Gateway project to add a third tunnel between New Jersey and New York. Your response? We’ll start with Mr. Ciattarelli.

Jack Ciattarelli: Bad news: we’re in a shutdown. I hope it ends immediately. Good news: Gateway is funded by the Gateway Commission, which then gets reimbursed by the feds; construction doesn’t stop unless a shutdown lasts two or three months. We must fix NJ Transit: consolidate mass transit under one roof — the Garden State Transportation Authority — combining the Turnpike, Parkway, and AC Expressway toll revenues with NJ Transit fares under one management for accountability and transparency, plus a dedicated state subsidy.

Bill Ritter: Congresswoman Sherrill?

Mikie Sherrill: This isn’t about the shutdown. It’s the president freezing Gateway funds, which he shouldn’t be able to do. I’d take him to court; those funds were congressionally appropriated — I fought to secure them. Brushing off frozen funds is wrong. We’re talking nearly 100,000 jobs and $1 million a day in potential costs if work stops. Shovels are already in the ground. Families endure the “summers of hell.” I know because my husband commutes through the tunnel and it disrupts our lives. I’ll relentlessly prioritize transportation and commuters.

Jack Ciattarelli: You’ll hear platitudes. Specifics: reevaluate every train and bus line for ridership. If ridership isn’t adequate, make tough choices and prioritize lines serving the most commuters. We need new management. This administration had eight years and failed.

Mikie Sherrill: The specific question was Gateway, which you failed to answer.

Jack Ciattarelli: I addressed NJ Transit and Gateway. The Commission continues and seeks federal reimbursement; it would take two or three months of shutdown to halt work.

Mikie Sherrill: This isn’t about the shutdown. It’s the president freezing funds, which is inappropriate and hurts New Jersey commuters.

Tamala Edwards: I think you’ve both stated your positions and aren’t moving. We’re going to take a short break. We’ll be back in just a minute.

Bill Ritter: Welcome back. Ready for round two? We’re going to switch gears and do a quick lightning round — about 15 seconds each, 30 seconds max. You both have four children. As parents, what makes you most afraid, given everything happening in this country? Congresswoman, I’ll start with you.

Mikie Sherrill: I have three teenagers and a 20-year-old, and I worry about the world we’re leaving them and whether they can all move back to New Jersey. I’m deeply concerned about children’s mental health. I’ll pass the Kids Online Safety Act as governor and drive more mental-health resources into schools. Third-grade reading is not where it should be; phonics-based instruction is critical so kids can succeed across subjects.

Jack Ciattarelli: It’s a crisis. As a Somerset County freeholder, I helped create a community mental-health center for easy access to high-quality care. I’ll work with all 21 counties to replicate that. I’m also very concerned about public education. Some districts have 80% of kids not on grade level. People with money have school choice; people without don’t. Where districts are failing, I’ll provide choice — vouchers and more charter schools — and deploy high-impact curricula like Louisiana and Mississippi use. If a child is behind in reading, writing, or math, they focus intensively on those skills until they catch up.

Tamala Edwards: Congresswoman Sherrill, we’ve seen the President deploy the National Guard in other states. If he ordered the Guard into a New Jersey city, how would you evaluate that, and are there circumstances under which you’d support it?

Mikie Sherrill: Unless there’s an insurrection or similar crisis and the Insurrection Act is invoked, moving Guard troops into cities violates the Insurrection Act and Posse Comitatus. I’ve worked both with law enforcement at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in the military. Those are very different jobs, and troops shouldn’t patrol our streets; it makes people less safe. Saying U.S. cities will be used as military “training grounds” is unacceptable; I won’t stand for that as governor.

Jack Ciattarelli: I’ve told the President and New Jerseyans they won’t have to worry about New Jersey. Their governor will ensure safe communities. I appoint the attorney general, 21 county prosecutors, and the State Police superintendent. We’ll be a law-and-order state. That means no sanctuary cities and reforming cashless bail, which has created a professional criminal class. Local police say arrest-and-release policies undermine safety. My AG and prosecutors will ensure consequences for unlawful behavior.

Mikie Sherrill: I’m the only one who has worked closely with law enforcement, prosecuting dangerous people and funding tools like license-plate readers to reduce auto thefts. He misunderstands what’s happening if he thinks Guard troops are being positioned in the most dangerous cities. They’re not.

Unknown Speaker: Mr. Ciattarelli?

Jack Ciattarelli: I’m focused on what I can control — public safety in New Jersey. She worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office briefly and pled most cases, including serious crimes. She also voted to end qualified immunity — the bedrock protection for local police — and played politics with anti-police figures. That’s not public safety.

Unknown Speaker: Congresswoman, 30 seconds?

Mikie Sherrill: My opponent denigrates public service. He’s argued law enforcement shouldn’t be paid what they earn and has voted against our pension system. I’m proud of my service in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Navy, and I’ll have public servants’ backs as governor.

Bill Ritter: Mr. Ciattarelli, next question. The national unemployment rate is a little over 4%; New Jersey’s is around 5%. With uncertainty around tariffs, inflation, and AI, how will you lower unemployment in New Jersey?

Jack Ciattarelli: We’ve long lagged the nation because we rank among the worst states to do business. I’ll responsibly reduce the size and cost of state government to afford tax cuts for individuals and businesses, but we also must grow. I’ll lower the nation’s highest business taxes, streamline regulation without harming consumers or the environment, align the labor pipeline via Labor and Education, and cut electricity rates. If the President brings back manufacturing, it won’t come here while we have the highest property taxes and electricity costs. I’ll change that and create jobs.

Mikie Sherrill: He touts being a businessman, but he made millions working with some of the worst opioid offenders, publishing propaganda claiming opioids were safe while tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died, and even got paid to develop an app that made it easier for people with addiction to get opioids. As those companies made billions, New Jersey families suffered.

Ciattarelli: First of all, shame on you.

Sherrill: Second of all, shame on you, sir.

Jack Ciattarelli: Shame on you. Under Biden, tens of thousands crossed the border daily, worsening fentanyl trafficking. Talk to police and prosecutors. Since the border was secured, fentanyl has decreased significantly. She backed open-border policies. As for my career, her claims are lies. I’m proud of my work.

Mikie Sherrill: I’ll publish the receipts. Our kids deserved better than the misinformation you published and the app you were paid to develop to push more opioids. And your campaign is under federal investigation for how it illegally got my records. Families across the state deserve to know the truth.

Jack Ciattarelli: I walked at my college graduation. I’ve never broken the law. She paid federal fines for violating stock-reporting rules, and The New York Times reported she traded defense stocks while on the Armed Services Commission.

Mikie Sherrill: That’s the same old misinformation. I don’t trade individual stocks and have gone above and beyond ethics rules, to the dollar. What he never learned, despite his graduation walk, is accountability and integrity. That disqualifies him.

Jack Ciattarelli: She released only two years of tax returns — the years after she paid the federal fines.

Mikie Sherrill: You released yours just before the last debate because you knew I’d call you on it.

Bill Ritter: Let’s move to an issue many New Jerseyans are thinking about the high cost of electricity. Specifically, how would you lower prices and bring in alternative energy to increase supply and reduce costs? Congresswoman Sherrill, please start.

Mikie Sherrill: We have an alphabet soup of agencies that kick the can and dump costs on ratepayers. That’s why on day one I’ll declare a state of emergency on utility costs and freeze rate hikes. I’ll build an “energy arsenal” — scaling solar, battery storage, improved gas generation, and nuclear — so we produce more in-state. PJM’s market is broken and driving up costs; bipartisan governors agree. Producing more here helps drive costs down.

Jack Ciattarelli: Not one of the 77 Democratic legislators — 52 on the ballot — has endorsed her plan. Even her party’s governor said it’s not feasible. How did we get here? Murphy shut six generation plants, imposed a moratorium on natural-gas-fired generation, didn’t expand nuclear in South Jersey, and failed to accelerate rooftop solar on warehouses; DEP slows permits. I’ll pull out of RGGI, reopen and repurpose shuttered plants, lift the moratorium on gas-fired generation, expand nuclear, and accelerate rooftop solar.

Mikie Sherrill: Politico already called out his misinformation, including claiming closures happened on my watch, like a nuclear plant. If you want failed old policies, vote for Jack. If you want innovation and lower costs, vote for me.

Tamala Edwards: Mr. Ciattarelli, do you support enshrining the right to an abortion in the state constitution, as your opponent does?

Jack Ciattarelli: I’ve always supported a woman’s right to choose. I said yes in 2021. I don’t support celebrating abortion or making New Jersey the nation’s abortion capital by inviting people from other states and using taxpayer dollars. I do support parental notification. You can’t get your ears pierced under 18 without permission. Parents should be notified if a 16- or 17-year-old seeks an abortion. That’s my position.

Mikie Sherrill: He’s peddling misinformation. Across the country, abortion bans like the one he’s proposing are causing preventable deaths, like a Texas mom miscarrying who was denied a D&C and died. He also voted to defund Planned Parenthood. Those are not pro-choice positions — he’s telling people what they want to hear while he runs for governor a third time.

Jack Ciattarelli: We’re not Texas. If a woman’s health is at risk, she’ll receive care here. On Planned Parenthood, why do they get 100% of the funds? Pregnancy resource centers like Lighthouse in Bergen County should also receive support. Let’s distribute funds equitably.

Tamala Edwards: Another question from Univision for Congresswoman Sherrill.

Ana Patricia (Univision): New Jersey’s water pipes are failing, causing frequent breaks and sinkholes. Fixing this is estimated at $24 billion over 20 years. Can you commit to fix it, and how would you fund it?

Mikie Sherrill: We’ve had widespread water-main problems; I’ve driven funding to address them. We need combined federal and state funding. In Congress, I advanced lead-pipe remediation in Nutley and Belleville. We have some of the nation’s oldest infrastructure — replacement is critical and expensive, so working with our federal delegation to bring resources is the best path while keeping costs down for families.

Jack Ciattarelli: State government’s three pillars are public health and safety, public education, and infrastructure, and our infrastructure is in dire shape. A 100-year-old pipe break in Paterson left people without water for weeks. I was there speaking with residents and businesses. This is also a major jobs program. We must replace 100-year-old pipes; some systems still have wooden mains. Municipalities with their own water utilities should consider selling to companies with the capital to upgrade systems.

Mikie Sherrill: Infrastructure is key — water, rail, and better buses — and I’ve fought for it from day one. Freezing Gateway funds is the latest example of cuts that hurt us . Trump’s action that my opponent said wasn’t a New Jersey problem.

Bill Ritter: Let’s talk schooling. Mr. Ciattarelli, how do we level the playing field and fix lower-performing districts so every child gets a top education?

Jack Ciattarelli: Post-pandemic, we haven’t compensated for learning loss. Murphy closed schools for two years, yet opened nursing homes where we led the nation in deaths. We’ve slipped from No. 2 to No. 12 nationally. Half of incoming freshmen at our 19 community colleges need remediation. We’ll use high-impact, back-to-basics curricula. If a child is behind, we focus on core skills until they’re at grade level, and we’ll provide school choice: vouchers and more charters. My opponent won’t. She’s owned by the teachers union.

Mikie Sherrill: He keeps citing Louisiana and Mississippi, some of the nation’s worst outcomes. Is that where he wants to take us? We agree learning loss is serious; the difference is I’ve acted: high-intensity tutoring legislation federally and at the state level, phonics-based reading by third grade, more school-based mental-health resources, and the Kids Online Safety Act to improve student well-being and outcomes.

Jack Ciattarelli: Democrats claim to champion the marginalized, yet only people with money have school choice. Families in failing districts without resources are trapped. I’ll give them choice. My opponent won’t.

Bill Ritter: We’re tight on time, so 30 seconds. Mr. Ciattarelli, last year, President Trump promised to ensure free speech. Nine months later, many Americans say it’s shrinking. What do you say to those worried?

Jack Ciattarelli: I can’t control what others say, but I’ll defend New Jerseyans every day if their constitutional rights are threatened. There will be free speech here. I appoint prosecutors and Superior Court judges. Our judiciary will safeguard people’s rights.

Mikie Sherrill: I’ve taken oaths to the Constitution my whole life and will always protect free speech. I’m concerned my opponent says he’ll “remake” our courts like Trump did. There are two upcoming vacancies, and that should worry anyone who cares about free speech.

Jack Ciattarelli: I never said that. I said I’d appoint justices who agree with me on issues like high-density housing, where infrastructure is lacking, and on spending — another lie.

Tamala Edwards: Quick, lighter questions — 15 seconds each. Congresswoman Sherrill, what’s something you appreciate about your opponent?

Mikie Sherrill: I appreciate that his son is serving.

Unknown Speaker: Her military service — anything else?

Tamala Edwards: Anything else? Okay, moving on. Congresswoman Sherrill, favorite place in New Jersey?

Mikie Sherrill: Montclair — my home and where I’m raising my kids.

Jack Ciattarelli: Raritan in Somerset County — where my grandparents immigrated 100 years ago.

Tamala Edwards: Something about you most voters don’t know, Congresswoman?

Mikie Sherrill: I’ve grown to love going to my kids’ sports games. I used to dread it; now I really enjoy it.

Jack Ciattarelli: Sunday mornings I make the gravy. It’s gravy, not sauce. Macaroni, not pasta. With meatballs and sausage, in the pot for Sunday dinner.

Tamala Edwards: Finally, do you support self-serve gas?

Mikie Sherrill: No. I’ve rolled into Jersey on fumes in the rain with little kids . Many people love our full-service law.

Jack Ciattarelli: We have too many dubious distinctions, but one special one is full-service gas — “Jersey girls don’t pump gas.” We’ll keep it.

Bill Ritter: First day in office, what’s one thing you’d do that no one is thinking about?

Mikie Sherrill: Join the lawsuit against the President’s tariffs. New Jerseyans tell me daily those tariffs raise the cost of everything from coffee to groceries.

Jack Ciattarelli: Lower energy costs on day one. Executive Order No. 3 will pull New Jersey out of RGGI, a failed carbon-tax policy.

Bill Ritter: We’ve reached the end of our time. Each candidate gets a one-minute closing statement. Congresswoman Sherrill?

Mikie Sherrill: “Ship, shipmate, self” — in the Navy it means mission first, sailors second, and as a leader, you come last. That’s the kind of governor I’ll be. Our mission is to drive down costs for families, keep people safe and healthy, and make sure every child has a shot. Despite the chaos, we can do better. If you vote for me, I’ll work every day to be worthy of that mission.

Jack Ciattarelli: My opponent’s campaign rests on lies about me and disdain for the President. That won’t fix New Jersey. Democrats have held the legislature for 25 years and the governorship for eight. Are things better? If you want change, you have to make a change. My family’s been here 100 years and achieved the American dream; I want today’s and tomorrow’s New Jerseyans to do the same. We face crises in affordability, education, public safety, and overdevelopment. Tonight I offered specific solutions. I hope to earn your vote.

Bill Ritter: You’ve both made your cases. Thank you. And thanks to our viewers. We hope tonight helps you decide on New Jersey’s next governor.

Tamala Edwards: Thank you to the candidates, our viewers and voters, and our partners — the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, and Univision. I’m Tamala Edwards of 6ABC, WPVI in Philadelphia.

Bill Ritter: And I’m Bill Ritter of Channel 7 Eyewitness News, WABC-TV in New York. Please exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 4, or by early voting beginning October 25. Thank you, and good night.

Interview with Jack Ciattarelli after the debate

Jack Ciattarelli: The attacks you heard are from a desperate campaign on behalf of a desperate candidate. It’s a lie. What I’m happy about is the White House has said to us they’re happy to help in any way they can to bring value to the campaign. We’re looking at every opportunity to see what brings value to the campaign.

Reporter: Mr. Ciattarelli, New Jersey has one of the highest populations of Venezuelan residents in the country, and the Trump administration appears to be waging a regime-change operation in Venezuela. In principle, are you in favor of that, even if it might affect family members or witnesses here?

Jack Ciattarelli: I don’t know enough about the issue to comment. What I will say is we welcome as many legal immigrants as possible in New Jersey. I didn’t say I was opposed — I said I favor a pathway to recognition. You can’t have citizenship unless you have recognition. First, let’s decide who should be deported and who should not. Then, how do we put the rest on a pathway to recognition — including a government-issued ID and a real Social Security number so people aren’t working under a falsified one. I wouldn’t call it an interim step — I call it the first step: recognition. Recognizing your existence in the state, the way we do when someone comes from a foreign country and gets a work visa.

Reporter: Congresswoman Sherrill said last month that you’re afraid to support releasing the Epstein files because Donald Trump is in them. Your response?

Jack Ciattarelli: I have a very consistent response to a great many things she says: it’s a lie. I’ve said publicly — release the files.

Reporter: At your rally Friday, a few speakers promoted conspiracy theories. Are you worried that might alienate moderate and independent voters? And this rally is trying to re-energize and replicate the energy of your last campaign. Can you do that without Trump there?

Jack Ciattarelli: Two things: I can’t control what other people say, and I should be judged by what I say. What I say is specific to the crises crushing New Jerseyans — particularly the middle class — every single day.

Reporter: On taxes, you’ve said that if you were governor, you would not increase any current taxes. If and when you become governor, do you vow no new taxes in New Jersey?

Jack Ciattarelli: It took us 238 years to go from a $0 budget to $36 billion, and in eight years we went from $36 billion to $59 billion — a 64% increase. Government is bloated and inefficient. I will responsibly downsize it so we can afford tax cuts for businesses and individuals — lower the business tax rate and individual income-tax rates — and we’re not raising any other taxes. To be clear, at the last debate when she was asked that question, she said, “I’m not going to commit to anything,” which is astonishing given she’s spending millions saying I’ll raise the sales tax to 10%. It’s another one of those clips. Just because I discuss another state’s tax policies doesn’t mean I’m implementing them in New Jersey.

Reporter: On any of these positions — for example, offshore wind — where do you stand?

Jack Ciattarelli: I’m not happy about the wind project off Long Island. I hope that doesn’t lead to wind farms being approved off of New Jersey. They need both state and federal approval. I’m thankful the president put a temporary halt on wind farms off the Jersey Shore. And when we talk about impacts — whether on people or the environment — we need medical and scientific evidence to support claims.

Reporter: The congresswoman said you supported a bill that gave rapists parental rights.

Jack Ciattarelli: That legislation was so flawed, it never even got out of the Legislature, despite Democrats’ overwhelming majorities in both houses. That’s an area where judges should decide how best to handle cases, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Reporter: Congresswoman Sherrill’s mostly unredacted military records were released around the same time people reported she may not have participated in her graduation ceremony. Are those incidents connected? She says those records led to doxxing.

Jack Ciattarelli: She’s tried to connect them to create a smokescreen. The National Archives fulfilled a FOIA request — perfectly legal. They took responsibility for releasing information they shouldn’t have and apologized. On the other side, she calls herself the most transparent candidate for governor ever, yet won’t come clean about why she was punished by the Naval Academy. There was a cheating scandal; we know she was involved and punished; she didn’t walk at graduation and her name wasn’t in the program. She says it’s because she didn’t turn in classmates. If that’s true, confirm it by approving the release of your disciplinary records. The fact she won’t release them tells me what she’s saying isn’t true — I think something else happened. Okay — thank you, gang.

Interview with Mikie Sherrill after the debate

Reporter: You used the term “misinformation” to describe your opponent’s claims. That word is sometimes used to justify censorship. Why lean on that framing?

Mikie Sherrill: I use it because it’s accurate, though it can feel aggressive to keep saying he’s lying.

Reporter: You’ve stated opposition to releasing your full military disciplinary records. Explain how investigators concluded you didn’t inform on classmates. Did they confront you with specific information?

Mikie Sherrill: Hundreds of people in my class were interviewed. When I spoke to investigators, I told them what I knew.

Reporter: More broadly, what stood out to you in the debate?

Mikie Sherrill: He seems out of touch with New Jersey voters. He gave Trump an A. He didn’t just dodge Gateway. He defended freezing Gateway Tunnel funding. He had no answer for his opioid-related publishing business or the app work. Voters want someone who fights for them — and they know that’s me.

Reporter: Be specific about the opioid allegation.

Mikie Sherrill: He ran a publication that pushed propaganda saying opioids were safe — even as companies knew people were becoming addicted and dying. Those companies then paid him to develop an app that showed people what to say to their doctor to get opioids — even those already addicted — so they could keep selling. He made millions selling his company. Opioid firms made billions; tens of thousands of New Jerseyans died of overdoses. He bears responsibility for publicizing company messaging that opioids were safe and for the app that helped people obtain more.

Reporter: What evidence do you have that he knew people were dying and proceeded anyway?

Mikie Sherrill: He hasn’t been transparent about it. There’s a lot we don’t know because he won’t fully answer. This came up in 2021 and in the last debate, and have shared additional material.

Reporter: Do you reciprocate Mamdani’s endorsement — yes or no?

Mikie Sherrill: I’m not getting involved in the New York mayor’s race.

Reporter: Your opponent says he’d reverse New Jersey’s plastic-bag ban. Your position?

Mikie Sherrill: We shouldn’t be using plastic bags.

Reporter: Specifically to Black and Hispanic voters — what would you do to support those communities, and what do you say to those who feel overlooked?

Mikie Sherrill: Like most New Jerseyans, the top concern I hear is affordability. I’d expand the first-time homebuyers program. About 70% of white families own homes in New Jersey, but only about 30% of Black families do; ownership builds generational wealth. We also have a documented Black maternal-health crisis. I’ll expand resources in maternity-care deserts and support midwives and doulas, a specific community request. I want to better resource small OB/GYN practices serving neighborhoods. Finally, the state disparity study shows how few Black and Hispanic business owners get state contracts. I will fix that.