TRENTON, N.J. — Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill traded sharp criticism on social media this week over a proposed federal tax bill, offering voters a glimpse of the escalating rhetoric in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race.
Ciattarelli accused Sherrill of voting against a measure that would have increased the federal SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction, claiming it would have delivered “significant tax relief” to most New Jersey residents.
He tied her opposition to anti-Trump sentiment, writing, “Her top priority as governor isn’t NJ taxpayers, it’s proving how much she hates Donald Trump.”
He also said her vote supported “continued taxpayer funded handouts to illegals” and challenged her to a debate if she secures the Democratic nomination on June 10.
Sherrill fired back, calling the legislation a “disaster for New Jersey” that would increase costs for families. She labeled Ciattarelli a “yes-man for the MAGA agenda” and said he misrepresented the bill’s contents.
The exchange follows a vote Sherrill cast opposing the SALT expansion measure.
While Ciattarelli framed it as a failure to support tax relief, Sherrill emphasized concerns over fiscal impacts and broader policy implications.
With primary elections approaching, the back-and-forth signals an intensifying showdown between the likely contenders for the state’s top office.
