(Left) Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli speaks in Raritan, N.J., on Nov. 12, 2021. (Right) Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) speaks at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 28, 2021. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images; Mary Altaffer/ AP

New Jersey gubernatorial candidates Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, squared off on Oct. 8 in a final bid for the seat that Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is vacating because of term limits.

The debate took place at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and aired on WABC-TV just days before the Oct. 14 voter registration deadline. Election Day is Nov. 4.Opening Remarks“I am laser-focused on driving down your costs, making New Jersey more affordable,” Sherrill said during her opening statement. “I’m going to start by declaring a state of emergency on energy costs, make government more accountable to you, making it safer and more affordable, and I’m going to ensure that I am always fighting for all of you.”We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.