Unredacted Sherrill Records Roil NJ Race

About a month before the Nov. 4 New Jersey gubernatorial election, the contest between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill was roiled when a branch of the National Archives mistakenly released a largely unredacted copy of Sherrill’s military records containing sensitive information. NARA called the release an error and its inspector general has opened an investigation, while Sherrill and House Democrats say the disclosure appears politically motivated and her lawyers have issued cease-and-desist letters demanding no further dissemination. Ciattarelli’s campaign and the ally who filed the FOIA request deny wrongdoing; the campaign says it will not destroy copies and calls the records exculpatory. The controversy has amplified national attention on a race already viewed as a barometer of public sentiment toward President Trump and GOP strength, and Democrats warn it could further erode support among key groups including unions and Black voters. Both campaigns have picked up notable endorsements — Sherrill from some southern New Jersey Teamsters members and Ciattarelli from the Fraternal Order of Police — and legal threats and media attacks are expected to shape the closing weeks.