Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill is facing scrutiny from a newly formed outside group that is sending out critical emails. Meanwhile, a Republican sheriff candidate in Hudson County is actively campaigning by driving through neighborhoods to rally support for the Republican ticket.
A negative mailer has started circulating this week from an organization identifying itself as the Garden State Fund. This group claims Sherrill has “failed to act on progressive solutions.” The mailer lists three glaring accusations against her: “sick New Jersey,” “sick planet,” and “continued genocide.” It argues that she has opposed Medicare for All, dismissed the Green New Deal, and is responsible for financing “apartheid Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people” due to her budget vote.
Politico has reported that the Garden State Fund PAC appears to be linked to the Republican Party, and with the timing of New Jersey’s independent spending disclosures, details about the donors won’t be revealed until after the election.
Furthermore, the mailer reportedly plays off the ongoing challenges Sherrill faced during the Democratic primary, where she encountered significant opposition from left-leaning groups supporting Ras Baraka, who placed second.
In Hudson County, Republican sheriff candidate Elvis Alvarez made a Facebook post saying, “Our trucks are rolling around the county!! More coming to your neighborhood. Ballot B!! November 4th.”
His campaign Facebook page showcases a large promotional display being towed by a U-Haul. One side features a picture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro alongside New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani. Below, it warns voters to “Say ‘No’ to Socialism” and “Vote Box B.”
The opposite side of the display includes a picture of Jack Ciattarelli with the phrase “Time for a Change” at the top. Next to him, it indicates “Column B,” followed by ballot listings: “1B Jack Ciattarelli Candidate for Governor,” “2B State Legislature,” “3B State Legislature,” and “4B Sheriff Elvis Alvarez.”
In a twist, Alvarez has received endorsements from some Hudson County Democratic officials, publicly supporting his candidacy for sheriff. Endorsements from figures like Scott Pressler of Early Vote Action have also poured in, urging residents to back him. “Mr. Alvarez is a retired police officer who is running to be the next sheriff of Hudson County. If you want law and order, if you want safer roads, vote for Elvis Alvarez,” Pressler stated.
Additionally, CBS highlighted that some Democrats believe Sherrill’s campaign has not effectively communicated a strong economic argument and has shied away from addressing everyday cost of living concerns.
