Former City Council Member Backs GOP Candidate in New Jersey Governor Race
A former Newark City Council member has announced his decision to vote for Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Oscar James II, who served on the council from 2006 to 2010, expressed dissatisfaction with Democratic candidate Miki Sherrill, stating she has not connected with “working” individuals or the historically left-leaning Black community in the state.
“Talking to everyday people—parents at the school pickup line, folks at the grocery store—makes it clear she’s not on the radar of Democrat voters,” James remarked.
He criticized Sherrill’s campaign for focusing too much on linking Ciattarelli to former President Trump, which he feels falls flat. “People are interested in what she has to offer, not a vote against Trump,” he added.
James pointed out that the constant reminders of Trump fail to resonate with voters and suggested that many people’s lives haven’t changed significantly, regardless of whether he was in office or not.
James, who also runs a small business and engages with the community, noted that Sherrill hasn’t participated in enough local events that would matter to the Black community. “It feels like she’s catering to political insiders without reaching those who actually work in these neighborhoods,” he said.
In an Op-Ed published in August, James reiterated his stance, indicating he still cannot support Sherrill for governor. He believes her campaign lacks substantial offerings to the residents, specifically criticizing the burden of high taxes. “She just doesn’t connect with the voters,” he remarked, adding that there’s nothing fresh in her approach.
Polling has indicated warning signs for Sherrill regarding her support among urban Black and Hispanic voters. For instance, she garnered only 16% of the vote in majority-Black municipalities during the Democratic primary in June, significantly lower than her 34% statewide performance.
Recent polling by Quantum Insights shows a slight lead for Sherrill over Ciattarelli, with 48.1% to 45.8%, yet this marks a decline from the 10-point advantage she had earlier in the campaign.
