Democratic doubts grow over New Jersey governor’s race, report reveals
The article discusses growing concerns within the Democratic Party about their chances of retaining the New Jersey governor’s seat in the upcoming election, just one month away. Although New Jersey is typically a Democratic stronghold, recent missteps by the party’s nominee, Representative Mikie Sherrill, have raised doubts. Sherrill,a Naval Academy graduate who has emphasized her military service and opposition to the Trump management,has faced criticism for relying heavily on anti-Trump messaging and neglecting key voter issues such as the high cost of living. Additionally, she has been scrutinized for her perceived detachment from New Jersey, relying on Washington, D.C.-based staffers, and several media gaffes, including difficulties addressing questions about her family’s wealth. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has capitalized on these mistakes through negative campaigning. Although sherrill currently leads in the polls by a narrow margin, strategists warn the race is competitive and not guaranteed.
Democratic doubts grow over New Jersey governor’s race, report reveals
The Democratic Party no longer appears to be that confident in its ability to keep control of the New Jersey governor’s seat, with the gubernatorial election just one month away, according to a new report.
New Jersey is traditionally viewed as a blue state, with four out of its last five governors identifying as Democrats. However, blunders from the party’s nominee, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), might shift that tide.
Sherrill first announced her campaign for governor in November of last year and was selected as the nominee in June.
Much of her campaign has centered on her military service as a Naval Academy graduate and helicopter pilot, as well as how she would push back against the Trump administration. In recent weeks, Sherrill has slammed the administration for releasing her sensitive military records, calling it “illegal.”
These attacks on the administration are in line with similar messaging seen within the Democratic Party, both on the campaign trail and in Congress.
Though strategists are now warning that it might not be enough to come out on top, per a new Axios report.
“So much for the Dem resistance if we are struggling to even win a N.J. governorship while Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the government and Constitution,” Democratic strategist Irene Lin told the outlet.
“Sherrill has spent a fortune on polling and has no message beyond she flies helicopters and Ciattarelli loves Trump,” Lin added. “How have we not learned…that tired anti-Trump attacks aren’t enough?”
Privately, some members of the Democratic Party reportedly told the outlet that Sherrill has not turned out to be as good a candidate as she was on paper.
Some have suggested that the congresswoman has focused on the wrong issues during her gubernatorial campaign, such as not putting enough attention to higher costs of living. There has also reportedly been criticism of her reliance on staffers in Washington, D.C., rather than in New Jersey.
Others have pointed to several blunders Sherrill made during media interviews in recent weeks, including struggling to answer questions about her family’s wealth when asked by radio host Charlamagne tha God.
Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli has taken advantage of these stumbles, repeatedly releasing ads and negative campaigning featuring Sherrill’s remarks.
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While New Jersey has trended more Republican in local and national elections over the last few years, Sherrill still leads Ciattarelli in the polls. However, she only holds a lead by eight percentage points, according to new polling released by Fox News this week.
“It’s not a five-alarm fire, nor is it a cake walk,” Democratic campaign strategist Jesse Ferguson, told Axios. “It’s something in between.”
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