In a fiery town hall-style debate at Rider University on Sunday night, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli traded barbs over President Donald Trump, rising costs, and political divisions in New Jersey’s closely watched governor’s race. With Election Day just six weeks away, the 90-minute clash highlighted the stark contrasts between the candidates in a state known for its political swings.

Security was heightened at the event, held in the shadow of the recent memorial for slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk in Arizona. The national mood cast a somber tone, yet the debate was anything but subdued as both candidates leaned into their attacks. New Jersey, a state that leans blue in national elections but has oscillated between parties in gubernatorial races, saw Trump’s influence loom large despite his absence.

Sherrill, a Naval Academy graduate and Congresswoman, tied Ciattarelli to Trump’s polarizing MAGA movement, accusing him of blind loyalty. “He’ll do whatever Trump tells him to do,” she charged in her opening salvo. Ciattarelli, a certified public accountant and former state legislator, defended Trump’s policies, praising tax credits in the president’s “big, beautiful bill” while insisting he prioritizes New Jersey’s 9.3 million residents over any White House agenda.

Also Read: Trump Ramps Up Retribution, Pressures Bondi to Target Rivals

The debate took a heated turn over free speech and Kirk’s death. Both candidates condemned political violence but clashed over Sherrill’s response to a congressional resolution honoring Kirk. Ciattarelli accused her of hypocrisy for supporting the resolution while criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric, while Sherrill defended her stance, citing the need for universal free speech, including for figures like Jimmy Kimmel, recently suspended for comments about Kirk.

Economic issues dominated much of the night. Sherrill pinned rising costs on Trump’s tariffs and policies, vowing to protect residents from soaring health care and utility prices. Ciattarelli countered by blaming decades of Democratic control in Trenton for high taxes and economic woes, positioning himself as a “hands-on CEO governor” ready to shake things up.

With voters just tuning into the off-year election, both candidates leaned on their backgrounds. Sherrill highlighted her Navy service and prosecutorial experience, while Ciattarelli emphasized his deep New Jersey roots and business credentials. As the race tightens, the debate underscored the high stakes in a state where Trump’s shadow and economic frustrations could sway the outcome.

Also Read: Taliban Reject Trump’s Bagram Return Idea, Demand US Respect Sovereignty