New Jersey politics has always had its quirks, from controversial ordinances to heated gubernatorial races. But as we look ahead to the 2025 New Jersey Governor’s race, the drama has already reached bizarre new heights. The latest twist? A long-forgotten law from 1994 that banned cursing in Raritan Borough—and its unexpected resurfacing in the political fight between Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. But before we get into the details, let’s rewind and take a closer look at the story behind this ordinance and its relevance to the current political battle.
The 1994 Raritan Borough “No Cursing” Ordinance
In 1994, the small town of Raritan Borough passed an ordinance that made it illegal to curse in public. Yes, you read that right—using bad language within town limits could land you with a fine. The law was as bizarre as it was unenforceable, and not surprisingly, it became the subject of widespread ridicule. Comedians, late-night talk show hosts, and social media users had a field day with this oddity in New Jersey law.
However, despite its infamy, the ordinance was never actually enforced, and it quietly faded into obscurity over time. While some reports claim it was officially rescinded in 2011, others point to 2021 as the year it was finally removed. Regardless of when it was repealed, it is now gone, and most New Jerseyans have long since forgotten about it.
But not everyone has moved on.
Mikie Sherrill’s “Jack’s Not For Jersey” Campaign Website
Fast-forward to today’s gubernatorial race, where the remnants of Raritan’s no-cursing law have made an unexpected reappearance. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic congresswoman from New Jersey’s 11th district, is leading the charge with a unique form of attack. In a move that’s as playful as it is pointed, Sherrill’s campaign has launched a website called “Jack’s Not For Jersey”.
The site highlights the oddities of Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli’s political history, including his role in supporting the 1994 Raritan ordinance. The headline? “What the F…” (Though we’ll keep it more dignified here). It then asks, “Would a real New Jerseyan try to ban cursing?” and follows up with the stark answer: “No, but Jack did.”
This website is clearly designed to poke fun at Ciattarelli’s self-styled image as a “Jersey guy” and to remind voters of what many would consider a wildly out-of-touch political move. By highlighting this odd chapter of his past, Sherrill is trying to undermine his appeal to voters who pride themselves on their no-nonsense, straight-talking attitude. It’s a reminder that New Jersey’s political history is often as colorful as its citizens.
Ciattarelli’s Strategy: On the Ground, Connecting with Voters
While Sherrill’s campaign has been busy with digital jabs, Jack Ciattarelli has been hitting the ground running. His recent campaign stops have focused on traditional grassroots efforts, bringing him to counties like Monmouth, Middlesex, Gloucester, and Bergen, where he is attempting to connect with voters outside the typical GOP strongholds.
Perhaps his most notable stop will be his Boardwalk tour on Labor Day in Seaside Heights, a nod to New Jersey’s quintessential seaside culture and a reminder of the state’s unique appeal. But it doesn’t stop there—Ciattarelli’s campaign will also be heading to Passaic and Paterson, including a series of visits to local businesses like dry cleaners, barber shops, and restaurants. It’s a strategy that seems designed to reach voters who might feel disconnected from traditional political campaigns—and who were drawn to Donald Trump’s 2024 performance in Passaic County.
While Mikie Sherrill has been less publicly visible, she has not been entirely silent. Most recently, she held a press event focusing on ways to help small businesses thrive in New Jersey—a topic she knows is crucial to the state’s economic future. However, this hasn’t stopped Ciattarelli from accusing her of being “missing in action.”
A Back-and-Forth Between Sherrill and Ciattarelli Campaigns
The dynamic between the two campaigns has been characterized by sharp contrasts in both style and substance. On one hand, you have Ciattarelli’s down-to-earth, local presence, with rallies and meet-and-greets aimed at engaging regular New Jerseyans. On the other hand, Sherrill is focusing on national issues, such as her social media posts on the 90th anniversary of Social Security, a theme that has drawn criticism from former Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll.
Carroll, who served in the state legislature until 2019, has repeatedly criticized Sherrill for making too much of national issues—especially former President Donald Trump—instead of focusing on the issues that matter most to New Jersey voters. In a snarky post to Sherrill’s campaign Facebook page, Carroll quipped, “Will there come a time when one of your posts actually deals with the office you’re seeking?”
In return, Ciattarelli’s spokesperson has dismissed Sherrill’s national focus as a “waste of money”, arguing that no one cared about the same line of attack during Governor Phil Murphy’s 2021 re-election campaign and that it will have little impact now.
A New Jersey Showdown: What’s at Stake?
As we approach the 2025 gubernatorial race, it’s clear that both campaigns are staking out their ground in unique ways. Ciattarelli is working tirelessly to establish his “everyman” credentials with hands-on campaigning, while Sherrill appears to be going for the jugular with more pointed, social media-driven attacks.
It’s a battle of contrasting strategies: one focused on face-to-face interactions with voters, the other on digital narrative-building. But the question remains: will voters care about a 1994 local ordinance that was never enforced, or will they focus on the candidates’ plans for the future?
One thing is certain: New Jersey politics is never boring. Whether it’s long-forgotten ordinances, social media wars, or heated rallies, this race will continue to keep us guessing.
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