NJ Democrat Branded ‘Kamala Harris of New Jersey’ in Heated Governor’s Race

New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill is facing mounting criticism from her Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign, which has labeled her the “Kamala Harris of New Jersey” as the state’s election enters its final month, as reported by Fox News.

Sherrill, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District since 2018, is locked in a competitive race with Ciattarelli, who is running for governor for the third time.

Republicans have drawn comparisons between Sherrill and former Vice President Kamala Harris, citing what they describe as gaffes, her reluctance to hold open campaign events, and a highly managed campaign strategy.

“There’s similarities (between Sherrill and Harris) in that they both are incapable of answering basic questions and seem to have a penchant for putting their foot in their mouth,” Chris Russell, a New Jersey GOP consultant working with the Ciattarelli campaign, told the New York Post.

He added that both “hide from the press, hide from the public (and are) very, very managed and choreographed.”

The race has gained national attention because only two states, New Jersey and Virginia, are holding gubernatorial elections this year. Democrats see victories in both as a chance to elevate new leaders, particularly after Harris failed to defeat President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, has drawn attention for her policy stances, including her support for enshrining abortion rights into New Jersey’s state constitution.

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That position has fueled criticism from Republicans, who have highlighted her alignment with Harris, who became the first vice president to visit an abortion provider in 2024.

Sherrill has also been targeted for verbal missteps, including a May interview where she stumbled when asked what legislation she would prioritize.

“That’s a really good question, ’cause there’s so many that are coming to mind right now,” Sherrill said, before suggesting a federal block grant program for healthcare. Ciattarelli’s campaign quickly used the clip in advertisements portraying her as unprepared.

Meanwhile, Sherrill is still dealing with fallout from a resurfaced controversy dating back to her time at the U.S. Naval Academy. A September report revealed she was blocked from participating in her graduation ceremony in 1994 amid a widespread cheating scandal.

Three New Jersey House Republicans have demanded that she release her full military records. Sherrill said she was barred from walking at graduation because she declined to report classmates who were involved in the incident.

Her campaign has rejected criticism from Republicans.

“Mikie has gotten support from fellow veterans to seniors to families struggling to make ends meet to young people hoping to build their future in New Jersey,” campaign spokesperson Sam Chan told the New York Post.

“Jack’s campaign is desperate because Mikie is fighting for every New Jersey family and Jack is only out for himself and follows Trump’s lead without a shred of independence.”

Ciattarelli’s campaign has leaned on an active schedule of rallies, meet-and-greets, and business stops across the state. In contrast, Sherrill’s website lists mostly volunteer events such as door-knocking and phone banking.

The two candidates first debated earlier in September at Rider University, where they sparred over high taxes, abortion, and immigration. They are set to debate again on October 8.

The race to succeed outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who is term-limited, remains tight.

Republicans hope to replicate the success of former Governor Chris Christie, who served from 2010 to 2018, while Democrats seek to hold on to the governor’s mansion in a state that has leaned blue in recent years.

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