Lakewood, NJ – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill made her first campaign stop in the heavily Orthodox Jewish community of Lakewood this week, meeting with local residents and community leaders as part of her outreach ahead of the November election.
The visit marked Sherrill’s debut appearance in Lakewood since launching her campaign, signaling an effort to engage a voting bloc that has traditionally leaned Republican in statewide races.
Outside her event, streets were lined with signs supporting Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli, highlighting the district’s competitive political landscape, according to the Lakewood Scoop.
Sources in Lakewood confirmed today that prior to showing up in the city, Sherrill had issued a stern warning to Jewish community leaders that if they supported her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli that she would take revenge with the community if she wins the election.
Key Points
- Mikie Sherrill visited Lakewood for the first time during her gubernatorial campaign.
- The stop focused on outreach to the Orthodox Jewish community.
- Jack Ciattarelli supporters displayed campaign signs outside the venue.
Sherrill seeks to broaden appeal in GOP-leaning areas
Sherrill’s campaign has intensified efforts to connect with voters in South and Central Jersey communities that have shown strong Republican turnout in past elections. Her Lakewood visit included closed-door discussions with local religious leaders, where topics reportedly included education funding, community safety, and state support for nonpublic schools.
In 2021, the Lakewood VAAD endorsed Governor Phil Murphy, but Ciattarelli won the election in that growing city by a landslide margin.
Attendees described the meeting as cordial, with Sherrill emphasizing her commitment to “govern for every community in New Jersey.” The outreach comes as both parties vie for influence in a town known for its high voter participation and cohesive community networks.
Visible GOP presence underscores tight race
While Sherrill met with voters inside, outside the venue Ciattarelli campaign signs dominated the block — a visible reminder of the Republican candidate’s existing foothold in the area. Ciattarelli has maintained strong support among Orthodox Jewish voters since his near-upset in the previous gubernatorial race.
Growing attention on faith-based voter blocs
Political analysts note that Sherrill’s visit underscores a broader Democratic effort to reconnect with religious and cultural communities often seen as outside their traditional base. With early voting approaching, both campaigns are intensifying outreach in swing municipalities like Lakewood that could prove decisive in a close election.