TRENTON, N.J. — Republican leaders in New Jersey say the party’s loss in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election reflected national issues more than local politics. Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D) defeated GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli 56% to 43%, as the ongoing federal government shutdown entered its 36th day.
Hudson County GOP Chairman Jose Arango said he began sensing trouble when food stamp benefits stopped arriving November 1 due to the shutdown. “We couldn’t stop it — the car had already left the station,” he said, noting voter frustration in Latino communities.
Republicans across the state blamed the Trump administration’s handling of the shutdown and federal spending issues for depressing GOP turnout. “This was a referendum on Donald Trump,” said Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union). Other Republicans cited the lapse in food stamp funding and federal health care subsidies as key factors.
Sen. Mike Testa (R-Cumberland) said Democrats better communicated the shutdown’s impact, while GOP campaign consultants “missed a swell of anti-Trump voters.” Party officials said the results underscore a need to rebuild trust and craft a clearer message before the next election cycle.
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