New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli was on “Fox News Sunday” with host Shannon Bream to discuss the governor’s race. Fox News polling showed Ciattarelli behind, but he disagreed and said that the polling that was provided was not accurate.
He is running against Democrat candidate Mikie Sherrill, a Congresswoman from New Jersey.
“We have brand new Fox News polling out on your race this week. It is tightening. You are still lagging by four to five points, based on some of the data,” Bream said.
“How do you close this out in the next couple of weeks and change those minds?” Bream asked.
“Not to be disagreeable, but our polls have it much closer, and I think it’s the reason why you have seen my opponent get so desperate with her attacks, her blatant lies, one of which is gonna land her in court,” Ciattarelli said.
He also explained about his last bid for governor in 2021 and said it was close. He felt more optimistic about the current race and said it was different this time.
“I only have 2021 to compare this to. You remember how close that was? I really thought we were gonna win this race, that race. This one is very different. The energy across this state is electric,” Ciattarelli continued.
“During a debate days ago, your opponent made the accusation, and this is what she said…that you killed tens of thousands of people by supplying misinformation and propaganda about opioids,” Bream said.
“You said there maybe a defamation suit coming. I want to know the status of that and your response to her charges?” Bream asked.
The accusations were serious enough where Ciattarelli felt it was right to eventually file a defamation suit after going through the proper channels.
“We have to get some technical guidance from the regulatory commission that oversees election campaign finance, and as soon as we do, we will be filing that defamation suit,” Ciattarelli said.
Ciattarelli explained that Sherrill’s comments might be an indicator that the polls are not as accurate as some might think based on such reckless claims.
“If somebody was this far ahead in the polls as some of the polls suggest, why would you be that reckless with that kind of claim?” Ciattarelli commented.
Watch:
WATCH: NJ gubernatorial candidate @Jack4NJ says President Trump is “playing hardball” by threatening to stop Gateway tunnel project. pic.twitter.com/iNsO7e5xJf
— Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) October 19, 2025