New Jersey Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli is officially moving ahead with a lawsuit against his Democratic opponent, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, after she accused him of contributing to the deaths of “tens of thousands of New Jerseyans” during the opioid crisis.
The comments were made during the candidates’ final debate earlier this month. Sherrill, attempting to attack Ciattarelli’s business background, claimed he “made millions” by publishing materials favorable to the pharmaceutical industry. She then escalated her remarks, alleging Ciattarelli “killed tens of thousands of people by printing your misinformation, your propaganda.”
Ciattarelli immediately denounced the accusation as a false and reckless political smear. Speaking Tuesday on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom, he confirmed he received regulatory approval to file a defamation lawsuit and intends to move forward.
“It’s a baseless, reckless lie,” Ciattarelli said. “I just got approval yesterday from regulators that we can go ahead with our lawsuit immediately. We’re not going to tolerate that kind of lie. The whole campaign has been based on a stack of lies.”
On Monday, the New Jersey Election Law Commission unanimously determined Ciattarelli can pursue legal action without violating campaign finance rules. His attorney confirmed the suit will be funded personally, not with campaign dollars.
The move comes as Ciattarelli gains momentum. As reported last week, he has secured a surprising wave of endorsements — including several high-profile Democratic officials who have broken ranks to back his candidacy. Among them:
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North Bergen Mayor & Former State Sen. Nick Sacco
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Dover Mayor Jim Dodd
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Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto Jr.
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Branchville Mayor Anthony Frank
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Former Newark Councilman Oscar James
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Former West New York Mayor & Assemblyman Sal Vega
…and others
Sherrill, meanwhile, has faced her own controversies, including reports linking her to a U.S. Naval Academy cheating scandal during her time there, as well as accusations surrounding the admissions of two of her children to the academy.
Ciattarelli’s lawsuit marks one of the most aggressive legal responses so far in a high-stakes 2025 gubernatorial race that is rapidly intensifying.
