Join Jeanette Hoffman and Joshua Henne—two political veterans from opposite sides—in a weekly column that dives into New Jersey’s gubernatorial race. Each week, the husband-and-wife duo offers candid insights, spirited debate, and insider perspectives on the key issues, campaign strategies, and political drama shaping the election. Whether you lean left or right, Hoffman and Henne bring you a modern-day bipartisan exchange—thought-provoking, witty, and unfiltered.
With three weeks to go before Election Day, Hoffman and Henne turn their attention to affordability and energy — issues dominating the final stretch of the gubernatorial race. From utility rate freezes and rising costs to the lingering shadow of Trump and the Murphy administration’s energy policies, the two seasoned strategists debate what’s resonating with New Jersey voters as both campaigns make their case.
Follow Hoffman & Henne’s Inside the Race column every Tuesday at ROI-NJ.com.
JOSHUA: We’re three weeks from Election Day, and Mikie Sherrill’s focusing on driving down costs and making our state more affordability. She’s also making the strong case we can’t afford someone in the Governor’s Office who’ll let Donald Trump make life worse for New Jerseyans.
On the other hand, Jack Ciattarrelli’s closing argument is focused on a). Saying Trump is amazing, b). Mikie maybe, mighta, kinda done something he’s not sure about at the Naval Academy over 40 years ago, and c). Suing Mikie because he didn’t really kill thousands of people…he only made millions of dollars off their opioid abuse, pain and suffering. Do I have that, right, Jeanette?
JEANETTE: Nice try there! Jack’s campaign continues to build momentum from all corners of the state. He was just endorsed by yet another Democrat mayor, North Bergen’s Nick Sacco, and the list keeps growing. I can’t name one Republican who’s endorsed Mikie Sherrill…maybe Tammy Murphy?
At last week’s debate, Mikie looked incredibly defensive regarding her naval academy record – which her story’s changed about several times now. And how she illegally traded stocks while on the House Armed Services Committee in Congress, profiting off of her public service to the tune of $7 million.
Worse, Mikie came completely unhinged, making crazy claims Jack somehow murdered tens of thousands of people through his publishing company, which was sponsored by academic grants of major public universities. This jaw-dropping moment was the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever seen in a debate. Frankly, I couldn’t believe someone of Mikie’s stature, who served in the military and Congress, would make this disgusting and demonstrably false statement. Reporters called it wildly reckless – even for Jersey standards…and that’s saying something.
I know debates get heated, but this is serious. Mikie must be held accountable for her actions, particularly at a time when political violence is so prevalent. It’s no surprise Jack is rightfully bringing forth a defamation lawsuit.
JOSHUA: At the debate, I thought it was bananas for Jack to say he’d give Trump’s second term an “A” grade. His rationale of “I think he’s right about everything that he’s doing” is bonkers. Moreover, as a campaign tactic, it won’t endear him to the independent voters he needs to stand a chance.
But, let’s both get out of the gutter here. Let’s get back to the issue that matters most to the voters…affordability.
JEANETTE: Sounds good!
JOSHUA: By far, Mikie’s best day on the campaign trail was announcing her plan to declare a State of Emergency on utility costs. Sherrill showed voters she understands what’s keeping them up at night and how she’ll take bold steps to make things better. On Day One, she’ll immediately freeze rising energy rates.
JEANETTE: Let’s be clear. You and I both see the bills that come in our mailbox. Every single New Jersey family’s getting crushed by skyrocketing energy prices thanks to Phil Murphy’s disastrous Energy Master Plan.
Jack’s the only candidate with a serious plan to LOWER energy bills. Mikie’s “rate freeze” – which even Governor Murphy says is illegitimate – will lock in the ridiculously high costs we’ve already been paying, not lower them.
JOSHUA: Let’s point fingers in the right place. It’s not sexy – and even people closely following politics/policy don’t totally know what it is – but a lot of fault for utility prices is laid at the feet of PJM. They’re the electric grid’s air-traffic controller. PJM’s board really has no one representing customers. It’s all power plant owners and others looking to profit.
And while we’re pointing fingers, remember it was Chris Christie – not Murphy – who closed some Jersey power plants. Ciattarelli should look at the last Republican governor if looking to cast blame. The same way he should look to Trump, who promised to slash the cost-of-living for Americans – particularly energy prices.
JEANETTE: Once again, New Jersey Democrats want to nationalize this race because they don’t want to talk about their miserable record on this issue.
JOSHUA: Hold your horses, Jeanette…I’d think Jack would want to nationalize this race…You know, he said he’d give Trump an “A” grade and all.
JEANETTE: Funny, Joshua…but you can’t ignore the laws of supply and demand. Democrats are trying to make it a complicated issue, but it’s not. A decade ago, New Jersey was an energy exporter. After eight years of Murphy dumping billions of dollars in off-shore wind, which never came to fruition, and his quixotic quest for “clean” energy by 2035, we now have an energy shortfall and are forced to import our energy (mostly fossil fuels) from other states, at higher prices.
As part of their unrealistic green agenda, the Murphy Administration fought and blocked access to new natural gas pipelines and infrastructure upgrades and completely ignored nuclear, which is a clean, affordable, reliable energy source.
Jack will take New Jersey out of RGGI – which is a waste of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and doesn’t make our environment any cleaner. He’ll invest in natural gas, nuclear, and solar, while making sure we have a strong, stable, and reliable energy supply.
JOSHUA: Well, I’m voting for the woman who’ll usher in cleaner, cheaper energy to drive down bills…create good-paying jobs…require more transparency from utility companies. And stand up to Trump.
But, you know what, Jeanette, I think we’re out of time. There’s still so much to go over. Don’t worry, we’ll pick up this energy conversation next week….when I’m sure to be talking about how Trump’s ridiculous war on clean energy is poised to cause New Jersey to lose out on 10,000 jobs over the next 5 years. And how Trump, Ciattarelli and MAGA Republicans support regressive policies just to give massive tax breaks to oil and gas billionaires.
JEANETTE: While I’ll be talking about Jack’s common-sense New Jersey plan to get back to affordable, reliable, and secure energy by increasing our supply.
And I’ll probably still be talking about how Mikie proved she doesn’t have the character, temperament, or judgment to be our next Governor.
Maybe I’ll even let you get the last word next time.
Follow Hoffman & Henne’s Inside the Race column every Tuesday at ROI-NJ.com.
