Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for governor in New Jersey, has criticized his Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, for her proposal to freeze energy prices at a time when they are already at historic highs. He questioned the rationale behind such a plan.
“I’ve been listening to this campaign, and honestly, the only solid policy I’ve seen from my opponent is a plan to declare a state of emergency on day one to freeze energy prices, which seems odd, given they’re already sky-high,” Ciattarelli remarked during a rally. “Why would you want them frozen at this level? Surely, you’d want them to drop back down, right?”
He further highlighted that New Jersey has “77 Democratic senators,” and among the 52 on this year’s ballot, none have supported Sherrill’s energy price freeze.
“Here’s my plan,” Ciattarelli asserted. “An executive order from me would get us out of Phil Murphy’s carbon tax on day one.”
He also mentioned that if he becomes governor, there wouldn’t be a mandate for electric vehicles, adding that he wouldn’t dictate to residents what cars to drive or how to heat their homes.
Ciattarelli’s remarks come at a time when rising energy costs are a significant focus in the gubernatorial race, a topic both candidates have addressed. According to reports, Sherrill plans to use her emergency powers on her first day in office to halt rate hikes and lower utility bills.
Conversely, Ciattarelli has promised to reduce electricity rates and cap property taxes in his campaign advertisements.
Sherrill’s energy price freeze has even drawn skepticism from current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who is finishing his term. Murphy expressed doubt over how such a freeze would be enacted, stating, “I’m not sure how that would even work. These are private companies we’re talking about.”
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging voters in New Jersey and Virginia to support Republican candidates. He suggested that voting Republican equates to lower energy prices and rates, in contrast to the potential for those costs to double or triple if Democrats are elected.
“For everyone casting their vote for governor, attorney general, or other positions in New Jersey and Virginia, remember: A vote for Republicans signifies a significant drop in energy prices like we’ve never experienced before,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “A vote for Democrats, on the other hand, means skyrocketing utility bills.”
