Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill faced tough questioning Sunday over her finances during the first debate of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, as critics highlighted her stock profits in Congress.
Her Republican opponent, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, pressed Sherrill on what he described as a consistent pattern of undisclosed stock transactions during her time in Congress, suggesting these trades may have substantially boosted her family’s wealth beyond her public salary.
“In the several years that she’s been in Congress, she’s tripled her net worth,” he said, drawing attention to the stark contrast between her reported financial gains and the congressional salary of $174,000 annually.
The discussion revived reporting first flagged by the Washington Free Beacon, comparing Sherrill’s 2019 and 2024 financial disclosures.
In 2019, her assets were listed between $733,209 and $4,321,000; by 2024, they reportedly rose to $4,840,076–$13,975,000.
Averaging these ranges suggests roughly a $7 million increase over five years, a figure that critics say warrants further clarification.
The controversy gained broader attention after a clip resurfaced from a May appearance on Charlamagne tha God’s “The Breakfast Club,” in which Sherrill appeared evasive when asked about potential stock gains.
“I, I haven’t … I, I don’t believe I did, but I’d have to go see what, what that was alluding to,” she said.
The Republican Governors Association highlighted the segment, alleging she “raked in over $7 MILLION from stock trades while in Congress — and broke the law doing it.”
Sherrill defended herself during the debate, stressing she does not trade individual stocks.
“I want people to know that I’m not somehow gaining information and enriching myself because of my work in Congress,” she said, clarifying that any gains were connected to automatic sales of stock tied to her husband’s position as a UBS executive.
Her campaign spokesperson, Sean Higgins, told Fox News that Sherrill has released full financial disclosures to the dollar and has acted transparently.
Higgins also noted, “New Jerseyans have zero insight into Jack Ciattarelli’s net worth.”
The debate also touched on pandemic-era investments.
Reports indicate Sherrill faced a $400 fine in December for not disclosing $350,000 in stock connected to her husband’s employer, drawing further scrutiny over timing and scale of asset growth, according to The Blaze.
Analysts argue such financial activity raises questions about ethics and transparency in public office.
Ciattarelli framed the dispute as emblematic of a broader pattern in Washington, saying, “It actually cost me money. The time I put in and took away from my company. In the seven years that she’s been in Congress, [her husband] tripled their net worth.”
He added, “She’s just another politician getting rich while you get squeezed,” echoing a message repeated in media interviews.
As the election approaches, Sherrill’s financial history is expected to remain a central point of contention.
Observers note that ethics, disclosure and potential conflicts of interest could influence suburban districts in particular, where voters may view her stock gains with suspicion.
WATCH:
