Sherrill Grades Murphy Amid Gubernatorial Debate
During the final gubernatorial debate on Wednesday evening, Democratic New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill gave incumbent Governor Phil Murphy a “B” grade, despite his declining approval ratings in recent polls. The debate featured Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, with the gubernatorial election fast approaching in under a month.
The candidates discussed various topics, and when asked about their ratings of Murphy, Sherrill commented, “I’d give him a B. There are aspects that I appreciate, like the pension payments and some credit rating improvements. However, I believe that New Jersey could do better overall.” She emphasized her intention to be more responsive to constituents, stating, “We’re going to change the culture in Trenton.”
Sherrill further elaborated on her goals, aiming to enhance governmental accountability and lower public costs. In light of the housing crisis, she believes more focus is needed on creating affordable housing and improving the transportation system, asserting, “I’m going to fight harder for more infrastructure to make it easier for people to move around the state.”
Governor Murphy has encountered critique for his policies concerning illegal immigration and increasing utility costs. A recent Emerson College public opinion poll revealed that his job approval rating had dropped to 35%, which is 5 points lower than in May.
In the same survey, 51% of voters prioritized the economy as New Jersey’s major issue, while other concerns included threats to democracy and housing affordability. Additionally, 21% of respondents held Murphy accountable for high property taxes, and 22% felt he was responsible for utility costs.
Ciattarelli responded to Sherrill’s evaluation by giving Murphy an “F,” asserting that his governance has been “the worst” in his lifetime. “This is an F. This has been the worst governorship in our lifetimes,” he stated. He noted support for his candidacy among Democrats, who fear Murphy’s ongoing policy failures could extend for another term. “We are confronted with an affordability crisis driven by high property taxes, electricity rates, housing, and childcare costs,” Ciattarelli claimed.
He also pointed to issues in public education and safety, stating that the dilution of school curricula and limitations on local police were contributing to crises in these areas. “Our suburban communities are facing overdevelopment issues because of high-density housing,” he added. “It’s a failing situation across the board, and we need to make a change.”
As the race intensifies, Sherrill’s previous lead appears to be narrowing. An Emerson College poll from September indicated that both Sherrill and Ciattarelli garnered 43% support among likely voters, leaving 11% undecided. This follows an earlier Rutgers-Eagleton poll which showed Sherrill leading by nine points.
