TRENTON, N.J. — In a preview of New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli offered sharply contrasting reactions to President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The responses, issued hours apart, reflect divergent views on the use of military force and the role of executive power—issues that are emerging early in the campaign.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, criticized Trump’s decision to launch strikes without first seeking approval from Congress. In a formal statement, she said, “I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to order these strikes tonight without first seeking legal authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution.”
She emphasized a constitutional requirement for congressional input in military action and warned against repeating past mistakes. The strike however, according to most scholars did not need the approval of Congress and was kept top secret to avoid leaks.
“This is especially important given the poor decision making that led to twenty years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan without advancing the goals of the United States and our allies,” she wrote.
In a direct counterpoint, Ciattarelli praised the strikes and Trump’s leadership, calling the military action justified. “President Trump’s decision to destroy Iran’s nuclear program was the right move,” he stated in a graphic posted on social media.
“A nuclear Iran would be a grave threat to Israel, and could further destabilize the Middle East.”
Ciattarelli also applauded U.S. service members, saying, “God bless our American military personnel for their skill and courage in carrying out this mission.”
The contrasting statements highlight the broader ideological divide between the two candidates, with Sherrill emphasizing process and diplomacy and Ciattarelli stressing national security and decisive action.
The 2025 gubernatorial election is expected to be closely watched as both parties seek to control the state’s executive office amid ongoing national and international tensions.
