The race for New Jersey’s governorship took another dramatic turn on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill faced off in their final televised debate before voters head to the polls on November 4. The evening featured sharp exchanges, pointed personal attacks, and policy disagreements that exposed just how contentious—and personal—this election has become. With just weeks to go, both campaigns are pushing hard to shape the narrative and claim momentum, and the latest developments are giving voters plenty to consider.

Adding fuel to an already heated contest, North Bergen’s long-serving Democratic Mayor and former State Senator Nicholas Sacco broke ranks with his party and publicly endorsed Ciattarelli for governor. Sacco’s support not only raised eyebrows across the political spectrum but may also signal a growing dissatisfaction within some Democratic circles about the direction of state leadership.

A Debate Marked by Accusations, Policy Clashes, and Personal Jabs

Wednesday’s debate was anything but mild. From the opening statements, both candidates came out swinging. Sherrill took aim at Ciattarelli’s business past, accusing him of profiting off the opioid epidemic. Specifically, she alleged that his former medical publishing company worked on behalf of pharmaceutical interests to distribute misleading information promoting opioid safety. Ciattarelli responded forcefully, denouncing the accusation and labeling it defamatory. His campaign later confirmed that legal action is underway, calling Sherrill’s claims an attempt to smear his record without basis.

This isn’t the first time Ciattarelli has faced such accusations—similar claims were raised during his 2021 campaign—but this time, the legal pushback signals a more aggressive response from the Republican candidate as Election Day nears.

Sherrill wasn’t spared either. Ciattarelli brought up a controversy surrounding Sherrill’s military service, pointing to a Naval Academy cheating scandal during her tenure and accusing her of a cover-up. Earlier this year, a public records request led to the release of her unredacted military file, drawing concern from Democrats and prompting calls for a federal investigation. Sherrill insists that her private records were accessed illegally and claims the Ciattarelli campaign is now under federal scrutiny as a result.

National Politics Cast a Long Shadow

While state issues were on the table, the debate often veered into national territory—especially the influence of former President Donald Trump. Sherrill repeatedly attempted to frame Ciattarelli as aligned with the Trump wing of the Republican Party, branding him “100% MAGA.” Ciattarelli, for his part, didn’t shy away from highlighting his agreement with some of Trump’s policies, particularly on tax reform and immigration, arguing that the state needs leadership that can work effectively with the federal government, regardless of party.

Sherrill countered by blaming Trump-era tariffs for driving up costs for New Jersey families and emphasized the need to push back against what she sees as harmful federal policies. The national lens added an additional layer to an already complex race, reminding voters that the outcome of the gubernatorial election could have implications beyond state borders.

State Issues Still Central to Voters

Despite the personal and political attacks, both candidates did touch on key concerns facing New Jerseyans. The economy was front and center, with Sherrill accusing Ciattarelli of voting against property tax relief and supporting tax hikes during his time in the legislature. Ciattarelli pushed back, saying New Jersey’s school funding formula is outdated and that real reform is needed to ease the property tax burden on residents.

On education, there was rare agreement that pandemic-era school closures caused significant learning loss. However, the solutions differed: Ciattarelli called for more school choice and criticized the state’s COVID response, while Sherrill advocated for targeted investment in public schools to help students catch up.

Affordability continues to dominate discussions across the state, and both candidates promised action to address New Jersey’s notoriously high cost of living. In a moment of unusual harmony, both agreed that New Jersey should remain one of the few states to prohibit self-service gas stations—a stance that continues to have broad support among residents.

Body Language and Public Perception

Political analysts were quick to weigh in after the debate. Many observed that while Sherrill had taken a more measured approach in the first debate, she came out far more aggressive this time around, throwing punches both rhetorical and personal. Some said she was trying to energize her base and flip the narrative, especially after weeks of trailing slightly in key suburban polls.

Ciattarelli, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed throughout the debate. A body language expert commented that he projected confidence, even as the exchanges grew heated. Both candidates traded barbs that included the now-infamous phrase, “Shame on you,” underscoring the emotional intensity of this race.

The tone of the debate left many observers noting that while policy was discussed, it often took a backseat to personal attacks and party-driven narratives, a reflection of the high stakes and tight margins that define this year’s gubernatorial contest.

A Cross-Party Endorsement Sends Shockwaves

Perhaps the most unexpected moment of the week came not during the debate, but at the Venetian in Garfield, where North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco—one of the most influential Democrats in Hudson County—stood beside Ciattarelli and offered his endorsement.

“North Bergen has been left behind when it comes to state support. We’ve watched funding disappear while our calls for help went unanswered,” Sacco said at the event. “Jack has taken the time to listen and understand what our residents need. He’s promised to stand up for communities like ours across New Jersey. That’s leadership that matters more than party politics.”

Sacco’s backing is more than just symbolic. With a population of over 70,000, North Bergen plays a significant role in local elections, and Sacco’s political machine has long held sway over Hudson County turnout. His endorsement of a Republican could sway moderate and independent voters, particularly those frustrated with the state’s current direction.

Ciattarelli welcomed the support, framing it as evidence of his bipartisan appeal. “This is not about left or right,” he said. “It’s about restoring the New Jersey we know and love. I’m grateful for Mayor Sacco’s endorsement—it shows that we can come together when it counts.”

To keep up with ongoing developments in this high-stakes race and other political news throughout the Garden State, visit Explore New Jersey Politics.