NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill is facing growing scrutiny after struggling to answer questions about a reported $7 million profit in stock trades made while serving in Congress.
The controversy erupted during a recent interview with Charlamagne tha God, when the host asked Sherrill directly, “Did you make $7 million in stock trades at all?” She hesitated before responding, “I, I haven’t. I, I don’t believe I did, but I’d have to go see what that was alluding to.”
Her uncertain response quickly drew attention from political opponents and voters alike, becoming a flashpoint in the tightening New Jersey governor’s race.
Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill hesitated when asked about a reported $7 million in stock trades during a radio interview.
- Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, accused her of lacking transparency, calling her “rich on stocks, broke on ethics.”
- The incident has intensified scrutiny of Sherrill’s finances as the governor’s race remains competitive.
Rising wealth, rising questions
Public financial disclosures show Sherrill’s household net worth rose substantially during her time in Congress, sparking questions about the source of her gains and whether she benefited from insider access to information.
Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli has accused her of profiting off the market while serving the public, though Sherrill maintains that her investments are managed independently and that she does not personally trade individual stocks. Her campaign says much of her household wealth comes from her husband’s work in the private sector, not from congressional trading.
Interview becomes campaign flashpoint
The awkward exchange with Charlamagne has fueled Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli’s attacks, as he accused Sherrill of being “rich on stocks, broke on ethics.” His campaign has demanded that she release more detailed financial information, arguing that voters deserve “honesty and full transparency.”
Sherrill’s team responded by emphasizing her compliance with all disclosure requirements and her support for stricter rules on stock trading by members of Congress. “We don’t make money from individual stock trades,” a spokesperson said. “Mikie has always supported banning lawmakers from trading stocks to restore public trust.”
Sherrill has not yet had an open and honest discussion about her stock trades which made her and her family millions of dollars while she served on comittees that could have provider her with advanced notice on defense stocks, which she is accused of trading.
Ethics and perception in focus
The stock-trading controversy comes as both campaigns compete for trust among voters focused on economic integrity and accountability.
Sherrill’s handling of the question has drawn mixed reactions, with some calling it an unforced error and others viewing the criticism as politically motivated.
As the race tightens in the final weeks before the election, the question of whether Sherrill’s financial success will erode her image as a reform-minded public servant remains to be seen.