Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.I.) and Republican businessman Jack Ciattarelli met Wednesday night in New Brunswick for New Jersey’s second and final gubernatorial debate before Election Day.

The debate largely focused on the issues that dominated the race, including the economy. But the forum experienced some tense moments. Sherrill allegedly tried to link Ciattarrelli to Trump, after which he attacked her over a cheating scandal that occurred during her time at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Here are the five takeaways from Wednesday’s New Jersey gubernatorial debate:

The debate is getting sensitive

The debate became heated at times, particularly as moderators asked the candidates how they would go about bringing more jobs to the state amid a 5 percent unemployment rate and other factors that are causing discontent about humanity.

For her part, Sherrill attacked Ciattarelli over his medical publishing and his role in the opioid crisis. Nj.com Reported in 2021 This Republican candidate’s company, Galen Publishing, received funding from leading pharmaceutical companies that helped fund continuing education materials at the University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy. The former New Jersey congressman later sold the company between 2008 and 2017.

Nj.com did not appear to use any of these materials to minimize the risk of opioids. A spokesman for Ciatingrelli’s 2021 campaign said at the time that the drugmakers did not come up with the issues, but rather the school itself.

But Sherrill took aim at Ciattarelli in the matter, claiming he “worked with some of the worst offenders, saying opioids were safe, spreading propaganda and publishing their propaganda while dozens of New Jersey residents died.”

“First of all, shame on you,” Ciattarelli replied.

“Shame on you,” Sherrill interjected.

“The difference between me and the congresswoman: I’m getting my college degree the right way.

It was the most tense debate in the debate, with the candidates throwing broadsides at each other – a sign of the race’s race’s shows of tightening in the run-up to November.

Ciaattarelli, Sherrill, cheating scandal dispute, leaked records

Ciattarelli and Sherrill also attacked each other over her leaked military records and the circumstances that led to her not attending her 1994 engagement ceremony at the Naval Academy.

A branch of the national body confirmed last month that it had been published. Sherrill took advantage of the incident to attack her opponent.

“But here’s what I think… I really demand an answer as to why my opponent is still not taking responsibility for releasing these records,” Sherrill said.

“It is within the scope of the federal investigation that a member of his team, someone that he vetted as his lieutenant governor, would actually have access to these records,” Sheh added, referring to Nick de Gregorio.

Ciattarelli has readily said he never saw the leaked documents and doesn’t know whether his campaign obtained them and then shared them with others.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate defended himself, saying De Gregorio’s Foia request was “totally legal” and pointing out that the National Archives had taken the time to determine the status.

Amid the leaked military documents, multiple news outlets reported that Sherrill was not present at her commenting ceremony at the Naval Academy. She has maintained that she didn’t leave because she failed to turn in some of her classes during the 1994 scandal, but Ciattarelli has urged her to release her disciplinary records to set the record straight.

“I think she’s made a decision and that’s why I think she needs to come clean,” he said.

He added that people “deserve an answer as to why he was punished at the Naval Academy.”

Sherrill links Ciattarelli to Trump

Sherrill attempted to connect Ciattarelli to President Trump through the hour-long forum. The congresswoman linked the businessman to Trump on a range of issues, including the president’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” his handling of voters’ personal information and tariffs.

“I know deep down he’s happy to take on President Trump for whoever he works for,” Sherrill said.

However, Ciattarelli isn’t trying to distance himself from Trump, and Even said he would give the president an “A” if asked how he would rate his job as president.

“I think he’s right in everything he does,” the Republican nominee said, pointing to Trump’s handling of the economy, the border, inflation and local pricing.

“I think that tells us everything we need to know about who Jack Ciattarelli supports,” Sherrill responded. “I give him an F.”

Democrats on social media quickly seized on Ciattarelli’s response.

Polls show Trump’s approval ratings are underwater in the Garden State. Trump has a 41 percent approval rating and a 51 percent disapproval rating in the state, according to an Emerson College/Pix 11/The Hill poll released last month.

However, Republicans point to the significant progress Trump made in New Jersey last year. Trump lost the Blue State by nearly six points in 2024, an improvement from 2020 when he lost the Blue State by over 15 points.

Affordability is the focus

Affordability, particularly in relation to energy prices, was the main theme throughout the campaign. Wednesday’s debate was no different. The first question of the night was on the topic and both candidates focused on energy affordability.

Sherrill promised to achieve a new level of energy prices on the first day of her term. She also said she would have a direct dialogue with landlords responsible for high rental prices.

Ciattarelli, however, said he would take New Jersey out of the regional greenhouse gas program. The Republican also touched on his plan to reduce child care costs and championed housing affordability.

According to an Emerson College/Pix 11/The Hill poll released last month, 51 percent of New Jersey voters said the economy was their most important issue. 11 percent said the same about housing affordability.

It’s unclear whether this will move the needle

It’s unclear whether the debate will change voters’ minds just a month after the election, when standout moments and stumbles can help or hinder a candidate
– And add it to the advertising feed later.

The race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli was largely bitter, with neither candidate finding few compliments for the other.

Still, the Electoral College debate is their final channel to see both candidates side-by-side before the election, helpful for those who may be late in the race.