LAWRENCEVILLE — New Jersey governor candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill sparred over affordability, taxes and immigration before a raucous audience of 1,600 people at Rider University in Lawrenceville during their first debate on Sunday.

Ciattarelli, a 63-year-old Republican and ex-Assembly member and former businessman, cast himself as a chief executive officer-type leader and devotee of President Donald Trump. Sherrill, 53, a Democratic congresswoman, veteran U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, and former federal prosecutor, said Trump’s policies were disastrous for the state.

“He will never stand up to Trump,” Sherrill said of her opponent. Ciattarelli, referring to Sherrill’s Democratic roots, said: “My opponent has been controlled for 25 years.”

Each is running in the Nov. 4 gen

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