Ciattarelli focuses on NJ bread-and-butter issues while Sherrill calls in Dem bigwigs for gov race

New Jersey gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli is focusing his campaign on state-level "bread-and-butter" issues like taxes and housing, while his opponent, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, is enlisting prominent Democratic figures to energize her campaign. Sherrill has held rallies with figures such as former President Barack Obama, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and several senators, framing the election as a national referendum on Republican policies and Donald Trump. She views New Jersey as a critical battleground for the nation's future. Ciattarelli, on the other hand, has largely dismissed the need for outside endorsements, asserting that the candidate must win the race themselves. He believes that while Sherrill may bring in "the ghost of FDR," it won't matter if he connects with voters on local concerns. Ciattarelli has instead campaigned with a few Republicans, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Byron Donalds, and participated in a tele-rally with Donald Trump, who criticized Sherrill. Recognizing Trump's unpopularity in New Jersey, Ciattarelli is attempting to energize the Republican base without alienating Democratic voters by focusing on issues such as lowering taxes and, notably, bringing back plastic bags, which has drawn enthusiastic applause. He has also found resonance with pledges to end New Jersey's sanctuary state status and discussions around protecting girls' sports. Ciattarelli identifies the core issues for New Jersey voters as an affordabi... download the app to read more