Shutdown Fuels Blame Fight in New Jersey Governor Race
Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli, campaigning in Madison, N.J., blamed Democratic congresswoman and gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill for the federal government shutdown during a Fox News Digital interview and after a Fairleigh Dickinson University candidate forum on Oct. 1, 2025. The dispute exposes how the national shutdown—tied to fights over extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits—has become a central line of attack in the closely watched New Jersey governor race with five weeks to go before Election Day.
Politics
Elections
🔍 Key Facts
- Jack Ciattarelli made the remarks in Madison, N.J., following a candidate forum on Oct. 1, 2025.
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill voted against a GOP stopgap measure that would have temporarily averted the shutdown; Democrats insist any deal extend ACA premium tax credits.
- The federal government shutdown took effect at midnight on Oct. 1, 2025, and is shaping campaign messaging in this pivotal gubernatorial contest.
📍 Contextual Background
- The United States federal government entered a partial shutdown on 2025-10-01 after the midnight funding deadline passed with Democrats and Republicans failing to agree on a funding bill.