Gubernatorial Race Escalates in New Jersey
New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Mikie Sherrill reiterated her accusations on Monday against Republican candidate Jack Ciatarelli, claiming he is “colluding” with opioid companies in the deaths of many residents in the state.
During a news conference addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, Sherrill criticized Ciatarelli for allegedly facilitating access to harmful drugs through programs backed by pharmaceutical companies. “It seems like Jack has made millions,” she noted. “While opioid companies were raking in profits, thousands of people in New Jersey were losing their lives.”
When a reporter pressed Sherrill on whether Ciatarelli bears personal responsibility for these deaths, she initially dodged the question.
“I think our argument shows that Jack was involved with these opioid firms,” Sherrill stated. Later, when asked if he was responsible for the deaths, her answer became somewhat ambiguous. “I think he’s up there with people who have paid billions,” she replied, suggesting a strong connection but leaving her argument somewhat open-ended.
Sherrill first made these claims during last week’s gubernatorial debate, insisting that Ciatarelli has contributed to the opioid crisis.
In response, Ciatarelli announced plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit against Sherrill, asserting that her allegations are unfounded. His campaign strategist, Chris Russell, described Sherrill’s comments as shocking, emphasizing, “In a time of heightened political tensions, blaming opponents for mass murder is unacceptable.”
Sherrill’s team quickly countered this assertion, suggesting that Ciatarelli is evading accountability. “Rather than address his role, Jack hides behind a lawsuit,” argued Sean Higgins, Sherrill’s communications director. “He’s profiting off the suffering of New Jerseyans and spreading misinformation about opioid addiction.”
Ciatarelli, who has a history in medical publishing and previously ran for governor, sold his company in 2017, which had advocated for opioid use as a pain treatment. His affiliation with opioid manufacturers came under scrutiny during the 2021 campaign.
After last week’s debate, Ciatarelli called Sherrill’s attack a “desperate tactic.” When asked if he could directly link Ciatarelli to any opioid-related deaths, Sherrill expressed uncertainty, noting, “There’s much we don’t know. His transparency on this issue is questionable.”
This gubernatorial election also holds significant weight nationally, as it occurs just after the presidential election, potentially reflecting shifts in political sentiment ahead of the midterms. Both New Jersey and Virginia will hold elections that could foreshadow what’s to come.
While New Jersey has traditionally leaned Democratic in federal and state elections, Republicans have lately shown competitiveness in gubernatorial races, having won five out of the last ten elections. This upcoming contest may defy historical trends, as it’s been over six decades since one party secured three consecutive gubernatorial victories in the state.
