EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli claimed victory in Tuesday night’s final gubernatorial debate, touting his detailed proposals on affordability and accusing Democratic rival Mikie Sherrill of avoiding key questions on taxes, utilities, and accountability.
In a post-debate statement, Ciattarelli’s campaign called the performance “a decisive win,” framing the former assemblyman as the only candidate offering “specific, bold policies” to address property taxes, energy costs, and public safety.
“Tonight confirmed what New Jerseyans have seen throughout this campaign: Jack Ciattarelli is ready to lead with clear solutions,” said Campaign Manager Eric Arpert.
Campaign contrasts candidates’ approaches
The Ciattarelli team accused Sherrill of “evasion instead of answers,” saying she failed to provide details when questioned on property tax relief and lowering energy rates. Arpert also criticized her for not addressing questions about her time at the U.S. Naval Academy, calling her responses “deflection.”
Sherrill, who has built her campaign around affordability and middle-class economic relief, has not yet issued a formal response to Ciattarelli’s post-debate statement. During the debate, she reiterated her plan to declare a state of emergency on energy costs and freeze rate hikes—proposals Ciattarelli dismissed as “imaginary” and “not feasible.”
Property taxes remain central campaign issue
Ciattarelli continued to hammer on the state’s property tax system, pledging to overhaul the school funding formula to reduce local burdens and make what he described as “a fairer, more sustainable” structure for homeowners.
As both candidates vie for momentum heading into the final weeks before Election Day, the debate underscored the sharp contrast in tone and strategy — Ciattarelli offering a CEO-style message of fiscal reform, and Sherrill emphasizing consumer protection and affordability for working families.