Candidates for New Jersey governor hold final day of campaigning in tight race
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Over one million people have already voted in the state of New Jersey, both in person and by mail, but will the early turnout help Democrat Mikie Sherrill or Republican Jack Ciattarelli?
The governor's race is considered to be a bellwether of next year's midterms, and over the weekend, former President Barack Obama rallied with Sherrill.
On Monday night, Ciattarelli got some help from President Donald Trump, who joined the Republican nominee by phone during a tele-rally.
"Mikie Sherrill, the only thing she's got going is it's a very unusual name," Trump said. "I've never heard of the name Mikie for a woman, but maybe she'll be the last."
The president also posted about the race on social media Monday night, saying "All you'll get from voting Democrat is unrelentingly high crime, energy prices through the roof, men playing in women's sports, and heartache!"
The congresswoman and former naval officer didn't respond to the president's election eve attack. Instead, she touted the state's long history of fighting for civil rights.
"We're fighting for our families, we're fighting for our kids, we're fighting for opportunity," Sherrill said.
She held her final campaign rally in Montclair on Monday night, where she thanked supporters in front of her campaign bus.
"Make sure your neighbors, your friends and your frenemies get out and vote," she said.
Sherrill also made stops beforehand in Union City and Morristown.
Meanwhile, Ciattarelli made a stop in the morning in front of a captive audience in the Republican stronghold of Totowa, at Murph's Tavern.
Ciattarelli's son, who's serving in the army overseas, flew in as a surprise guest as his father tries again to become governor.
"The Republican Party has always been the party of ideas, always been the party of solutions, and we get people excited when we talk about what we're going to do when we win this race," Jack Ciattarelli said.
It's Ciattarelli's third try at the seat, following two failed attempts, but it was a toe-to-toe fight four years ago against Governor Phil Murphy, and polls say the race is tight yet again.
Hundreds of thousands of votes have already been cast through early voting and mail in ballots.
"Why should New Jersey always be number one in everything. I don't want to be number one in property taxes. I don't want to be number one in car insurance. I don't want to be number one in health insurance," said Ciattarelli supporter, Sal Pags.
"She's an authentic person, who's very thoughtful and cares, and will be a fantastic governor. So, people are really excited," said Sherrill supporter, Alix Jennings.
It's the 11th hour in one of only two races for governor in the country.
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