GOP slams Sherrill over energy policies and support for sanctuary state stance
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Republican Party is turning up the heat on Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, accusing her of backing a series of unpopular policies—ranging from green energy mandates to sanctuary state protections—that they claim have hurt taxpayers and driven up costs for working families.
In a pointed post on social media this week, the NJ GOP accused Sherrill of “gaslighting voters” while supporting what they call “offshore wind boondoggles,” electric vehicle mandates, and natural gas restrictions. They also tied her to current Governor Phil Murphy’s controversial sanctuary state stance, which limits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from Republican leaders across the state.
“New Jersey is perfectly poised to be a nationwide – and global – leader in the renewable offshore wind space. Today’s announcement that the Administration is beginning the auction process for the rights to establish offshore wind farms in areas in the New York bight, off New Jersey’s coast is another crucial step in meeting that potential,” Sherrill said when the Biden administration announced new leases off the Jersey Shore in 2022.
The attack highlights Sherrill’s alignment with Murphy-era energy and environmental policy, including ambitious goals to transition New Jersey to 100% clean energy by 2035. Critics argue the timeline is unrealistic and will come with a high price tag for residents. Among the most debated proposals are mandates aimed at increasing electric vehicle sales, phasing out new natural gas hookups, and investing heavily in offshore wind infrastructure—projects that have faced both economic and environmental scrutiny.
She also favors government-subsidized tax credits for foreign wind energy giants to re-ignite the flailing offshore wind industry.
Sherrill is a staunch supporter of Phil Murphy’s Immigrant Trust Directive, saying that directive would be upheld if she were to become governor, even priasing the directive’s legal standing after a 2021 court challenge to overturn it failed.
While Sherrill has not walked back her support for the state’s clean energy targets, her campaign has not directly addressed the NJ GOP’s latest criticisms. Opponent Jack Ciattarelli, meanwhile, continues to campaign on promises to roll back Murphy’s energy agenda and take a tougher stance on immigration enforcement. He said he will cancel Murphy’s
The GOP has framed Sherrill as out of step with working-class voters, alleging her policies benefit corporations and developers more than families, and claim her refusal to expand the gubernatorial debate schedule is a sign she’s unwilling to defend her record.
With polls tightening and the first debate approaching on September 21, the race is entering a more combative phase as both parties work to define the narrative before voters head to the polls.
