Tonight, on stage for thousands to see, Mikie Sherrill had a commanding debate performance, driving home the decision New Jerseyans face this November: Mikie Sherrill is running for all of New Jersey, while Jack Ciattarelli is running for Donald Trump.

Rep. Sherrill presented a positive vision for New Jersey families, centered on lowering costs on Day One and investing in our kids’ futures. In stark contrast, Jack Ciattarelli defended Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, which will kick over 300,000 New Jerseyans off their health insurance and drive utility costs up by hundreds of dollars, all while giving billionaires massive tax breaks.

In one word: “refused” was the tagline of Jack Ciattarelli’s failed debate. He refused to say why he voted to raise taxes, he refused to say he’d desegregate New Jersey schools, and a 12-year-old refused to return his fist bump.  

In response to Mikie Sherrill’s commanding debate win, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

“I’ve watched hundreds of debates, and Mikie Sherrill’s commanding performance tonight was a testament to the strength of her candidacy. Rep. Sherrill wiped the floor with Jack Ciattarelli, forcing him to try and defend his votes to raise taxes and his support of Donald Trump’s agenda that rips health care away from New Jersey families and seniors while raising costs by hundreds of dollars. While Ciattarelli was on defense, Rep. Sherrill was clearly on offense, once again demonstrating she is a fearless fighter who is ready to tackle New Jersey’s affordability crisis and lower utility costs on day one, invest in public education, and strengthen public transportation. New Jerseyans deserve a governor who will fight for them, and not a Trump crony who only cares about himself and his billionaire donors. Come Election Day, I’m confident New Jerseyans will send a clear message to Donald Trump by electing Mikie Sherrill and Democrats down the ballot while soundly rejecting Jack Ciattarelli.”

Mike Sherrill wiped the floor with Jack Ciattarelli — here are some of the key moments:

Key moment: Jack Ciattarelli refused to say he’d desegregate New Jersey schools — the most segregated in the nation.

Key moment: Mikie said she would end the utility rate hikes by declaring a state of emergency on utility costs on Day One.

Key point: As a mother of four, Mikie said she would invest in our kids and their futures — from investing in our public schools to passing legislation to protect their privacy online — while Jack Ciattarelli defended Trump’s cuts to the Department of Education. 

Key moment: Jack Ciattarelli refused to explain why he voted to raise taxes at every level of government and why he voted against over a billion dollars in tax relief for New Jerseyans, all while defending Trump’s billionaire tax giveaway in the One Big Ugly Bill.