N.J. Governor Race Set: Mikie Sherrill Vs. Jack Ciattarelli

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, have won their respective party primaries and will face off in the Jersey governor’s race this November.

Sherrill, from Essex County, and Ciattarelli, from Somerset County, secured their nominations Tuesday as attention shifts to the general election.

Ciattarelli emerged victorious across all 21 counties, including Hunterdon County, fending off challenges from a field that included former N.J. 101 radio show host Bill Spadea, Justin Barbera, Mario Kranjac, and State Sen. Jon Bramnick.

Sherrill, a Democrat from Essex County, also carried Hunterdon County, overcoming primary challengers Steve Fulop, Ras Baraka, Josh Gottheimer, and Sean Spiller.

Sherrill, a U.S. Navy veteran, had led in pre-primary polls and garnered significant endorsements leading up to the primary election.

“Let’s be clear about the two visions in this race: I am ready to stand up to an extreme Washington that doesn’t have New Jersey’s best interests at heart. Jack has already surrendered to them. It’s our duty to meet the moment and live up to our state’s motto of liberty and prosperity, because a Trump yes man like Jack Ciattarelli in Trenton will threaten it all,” she said after her win.

Following her win, Sherrill wasted no time in drawing a sharp contrast with her opponent and seeking to tie Ciattarelli to President Donald Trump.

“While Jack is for Trump, I am for New Jersey,” she said.

Ciattarelli celebrated he called a “clear and convincing” 21-county victory.

“We won because our campaign was about people, not politics,” he said, telling supporters he wants a “safer and more affordable New Jersey.”

Ciattarelli said Sherrill is Democratic Gov. “Phil Murphy 2.0.”

“Guys, I’ve had it. It’s time for a change. It’s time for bold leadership,” he told supporters.

Ciattarelli plans to kick off his general election campaign with four stops across the state on Wednesday.

The New Jersey Monitor reported last week that more than $122.5 million had been spent on the governor’s race leading up to the primary. Candidates accounted for $54.9 million of that spending, with outside groups contributing $67.7 million.

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