Calls for Transparency in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

On Thursday, Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop, a former opponent of New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, argued that it is “fair” to require her to disclose her military disciplinary records in light of her potential connection to the Naval Academy cheating scandal.

“Democrats should be cautious here,” Fulop commented. “They demand the release of the Epstein file, yet they oppose making Sherrill’s records public.” He emphasized the need for transparency across the board, suggesting that if the party calls for openness, it should apply to everyone, including Sherrill, who finished third in the Democratic primary held on June 10.

“It makes sense to explore the military aspect fully,” he added. “That’s fair.”

Sherrill has been under increasing pressure to release her disciplinary records, especially after it came to light that she was barred from participating in her class’s graduation ceremony in 1994 due to incidents at the Naval Academy. Initially, she claimed that her exclusion stemmed from not reporting her classmates for cheating.

She explained, “There was a stolen test, and I unknowingly took it. Later, I heard rumors about what occurred. I knew the individuals involved but didn’t come forward.” However, her narrative has shifted over time. She has indicated that she did speak with Academy investigators, which raises questions about what information she provided and the reasons behind her punishment.

Republican candidate Jack Ciatarelli has consistently pressed Sherrill to authorize the release of her records. In response, she has expressed uncertainty about what such a move might entail, noting the complexity of the situation, as the cheating scandal involved numerous files and interviews.

Current polls indicate a tight race between Sherrill and Ciatarelli, who is vying to succeed term-limited Democrat Phil Murphy. Notably, the last Republican to win a gubernatorial seat in New Jersey was Chris Christie, during his second term in 2013.

Fulop mentioned in a podcast that he hasn’t had any contact with Sherrill since the Democratic primary, although he noted that Ciatarelli has reached out to him. He described Ciatarelli as adept at relationship building, particularly in retail politics, stating, “It’s always those in strong positions who should reach out to the less privileged. She carries the standard for her party.”

In a critical reflection on the political landscape, Fulop acknowledged that if Ciatarelli’s campaign had come at a different time, he might have had a significant lead—”To be honest, he could have been up 12 points if Trump weren’t in the picture. Trump is currently the Democratic Party’s biggest asset.”

The news outlet has reached out to Sherrill’s team for a response.