New Jersey Gubernatorial Race Tightens: Latino Voters Key in Passaic County
New Jersey's gubernatorial election next week will see a close race between Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Passaic County, with a significant Latino population, will be a key battleground. The Department of Justice will monitor polling sites due to vote-by-mail fraud allegations, while Attorney General Matthew Platkin criticizes the move. Both parties are courting Latino voters, with Democrats focusing on economic issues and Republicans building on Trump's gains.
Ciattarelli is banking on voters like Leonardo Pomales, a Passaic resident who switched from voting for Clinton in 2016 to backing Trump in the next two elections. Democrats acknowledge Trump's appeal to Latino voters in 2024 stemmed from his promises on the economy. Sherrill is trying to reverse Trump's gains with Latino voters, while Ciattarelli seeks to build on them. The Republican Party's Hispanic Outreach Director, Kenny Gonzalez, supports the party and its presidential candidate, likely Donald Trump, who improved his performance in Passaic County from 2020 to 2024. The Democratic Party's outreach to Latino voters focuses on reducing utility costs, investing in small businesses, and tackling rising rents. Platkin criticized the DOJ's move, saying his team is considering legal options to prevent voter intimidation.
Passaic County will be a crucial factor in determining the next governor of New Jersey. Both candidates are vying for the Latino vote, with each party offering different economic incentives. The DOJ's monitoring of polling sites and the Attorney General's response add a layer of tension to the election. The outcome in Passaic County could significantly impact the final result.
