Sherrill hits Ciattarelli in new ad

In a new ad, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) hit at potential general election opponent Jack Ciattarelli, condemning President Donald Trump’s endorsement of the former assemblyman last week. 

Sherrill’s campaign said the ad buy would be a “multi-million dollar statewide TV and digital” effort. In the spot, a narrator says she would crack down on “predatory landlords” who gouge rent and stop MAGA.

Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli cemented him as the frontrunner in the Republican primary. Sherrill has led every public poll of the race and is also seen as the frontrunner of her primary, though her lead isn’t as dominant as Ciattarelli’s.

(The ad’s focus on Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli could have secondary effects on the GOP primary, especially as he seeks to get that endorsement in front of as many Republicans as possible.)

The 30-second spot acts as a preview of what an anti-Trump, anti-Ciattarelli advertisement will look like in the weeks leading up to the November general election.

The ad also touted her service as a Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, elements of her bio that she’s made central to her campaign.

Sherrill is one of six Democrats seeking the party’s nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy. Attacks against the congresswoman have grown in recent weeks, including a negative ad from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. 

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Transcript:

[Narrator] “MAGA’s coming for New Jersey. With Trump-endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Trump brags, Ciattarelli “is now one hundred percent” MAGA! We’ve gotta stop them. With Democrat Mikie Sherrill. Navy helicopter pilot. Federal prosecutor. Mother of four. Drove a longtime Republican incumbent out of office. Now, Mikie has a plan…”

[Sherrill]  “…to drive down costs, so families can get ahead…”

[Narrator] “Including a crackdown on predatory landlords jacking up rent. Courage to fight. Strength to win. For governor — Democrat Mikie Sherrill.”