The race for New Jersey’s next governor had a sleepy summer. Now, with less than eight weeks to go before Election Day, it’s about to get real.

Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli will take the stage Sunday night at Rider University in the first of two gubernatorial debates before November. It’s the first time voters will see the candidates go face to face. It’s a town hall format. Questions from voters in the audience will drive the debate.

While polls give Sherrill a 5- or 6-point lead, political observers expect a close election. Ciattarelli came within about 3 points of upsetting Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021. His party also performed significantly better in last year’s presidential election – with Donald Trump losing New Jersey by about 5 points, cut

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