The Economist/YouGov Poll Summary

OverviewThis week’s Economist/YouGov poll covers…● The increasing share of Americans who are feeling the government shutdown’s effects● How many Americans want the government to try to reduce wealth inequality● Whether liberals prefer capitalism or socialism● The level of support for a possible resumption of nuclear-weapons testing● Whether Americans think pro athletes often tailor their play to gambling outcomesGovernment shutdown● A growing share of Americans say they are being personally affected by the government shutdown: 36% say they are being affected a great deal or somewhat, compared to 21% who said so roughly a week after the shutdown began.

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Unofficial Election Results for 11-04-25

Unofficial Election Results for 11-04-25

Camden County Commissioners

Vote for 2

Edward T. McDonnell (D) — 113,228

Colleen Bianco Bezich (D) — 112,076

Christian A. Navarro (R) — 54,170

Robert Stone (R) — 53,931

Camden County Commissioner – Unexpired Term

Vote for 1

Jennifer Fleisher (D) — 115,117

Shane Bernat (R) — 53,128

Camden County Surrogate

Vote for 1

Michelle Gentek-Mayer (D) — 110,029

Adam Nieves (R) — 50,702

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CIRCULATE NJ STATEMENT ON MIKIE SHERRILL BEING ELECTED NEXT NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR

Circulate NJ Chair David Greek issued the following statement today regarding the election of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill as the next governor of New Jersey:

“On behalf of Circulate NJ, we congratulate Congresswoman Sherrill on being elected the next governor of New Jersey. As the driving force behind the state’s economy, we look forward to working with the governor-elect. We hope she will continue to keep an open mind regarding the numerous benefits that the transportation, logistics and distribution industry brings to New Jersey. Working together, we can ensure job growth and economic development flourish in the Garden State for years to come.”

New Jersey Assembly Democrats Secure Supermajority, Flipping At Least 3 Seats

New Jersey Assembly Democrats flipped at least three seats tonight, securing a supermajority as voters resoundingly elected Democrats up and down the ticket. The DLCC identified New Jersey as a priority early in 2025 by investing six figures and spotlighting 12 of the most competitive races that were among the biggest successes of the night.

Tonight’s Assembly wins come as Mikie Sherrill clinched the gubernatorial win, ensuring unified Democratic power can protect New Jersey from MAGA extremism and fight for working families.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“Tonight, voters delivered a stunning victory by electing a supermajority in the New Jersey Assembly, sending a clear message to MAGA extremists whose policies have substantially driven the cost of living up. The DLCC is proud to stand with the state Democrats in New Jersey who are focused on lowering costs and protecting economic opportunities for their communities. These victories set the stage for the 2026 midterms when Democrats have the opportunity for historic success in state legislatures across the country.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.

Van Drew Demands Investigation into Bomb Threats at NJ Polling Locations

Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew, Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, asked that the Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately investigate the bomb threats made against seven polling locations across New Jersey.

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Hesgeth meets with South Korea at DMZ

(South Korea Defense Ministry)

Hegseth meets with South Korean counterpart along DMZ, Ukraine receives more U.S.-made Patriot systems, and need for support in military communities grow as government shutdown continues.

1. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas on Monday as he began a two-day visit to ally South Korea for security talks. Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back received a briefing from military officials at Observation Post Ouellette, a site near the military demarcation line that past U.S. presidents, including Donald Trump during his first term in 2019, had visited to peer across the border into North Korea and meet with American soldiers. Hegseth and Ahn also visited the Panmunjom border village, where an armistice was signed to pause the 1950-53 Korean War. Ahn’s ministry said the visit “reaffirmed the firm combined defense posture and close coordination” between the allies. Hegseth did not mention North Korea, which has ignored Washington and Seoul’s calls for dialogue in recent years while accelerating the expansion of its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

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Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion

This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.

Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.

Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.

For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.

A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.

Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.

**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**

Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.

The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.

**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**

This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.

**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**

A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.

*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI

RNC Statement on Democrats 13th Vote to Shutdown Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters issued the following statement after Senate Democrats voted again to prolong their government shutdown:

“President Trump and Republicans in Congress have fought repeatedly to pass a clean CR and deliver relief to the American families being hurt by this shutdown,” said Chairman Gruters. “Democrats have now voted 13 times to shut down the government — holding American workers hostage because they want taxpayers to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants. Today marks the first day air traffic controllers stop receiving their full paycheck, and every day from here only gets harder for families struggling with gas, childcare, and everyday costs. Democrats would rather side with illegal immigrants than reopen the government for the citizens they were elected to serve. It’s disgraceful.”

MURPHY ADMINISTRATION AWARDS $8 MILLION IN WATER QUALITY GRANTS

The Murphy Administration has awarded nearly $8 million in Water Quality Restoration grants to local municipalities, nonprofit groups and academic institutions to fund projects that will enhance water quality in surface waters across the state, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Murphy Administration Highlights Resources Available to Residents as Trump Administration Fails to Fund Snap

The Trump Administration’s failure to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the federal government shutdown continues into November will leave hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans without the resources necessary to put food on the table. As the shutdown enters its 30th day, Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nick Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin today announced that the State is accelerating the delivery of food and hunger grants to Emergency Food Organizations (EFOs), or food banks, ahead of the expected halt in SNAP benefits, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Despite the availability of approximately $6 billion in federal SNAP contingency funds for emergency circumstances, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will not fund SNAP benefits starting on November 1, 2025. This unprecedented decision will impact more than 800,000 New Jerseyans across 400,000 households. Almost half of the 800,000 are children, nearly one in three are individuals with a disability, and one in five are over the age of 60. Governor Murphy has called on the federal government to release federal SNAP funds, and New Jersey joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funding despite the availability of contingency funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown. “In communities across our state, food banks are on the front lines combating food insecurity and supporting New Jersey families in need. They are an integral part of our food security safety net, and our Administration is proud to deliver funding to support their operations, especially at a time of increased uncertainty,” said Governor Murphy. “The Trump Administration’s decision to abandon the over 800,000 New Jerseyans who rely on critical SNAP benefits during one of the longest federal government shutdowns in our nation’s history is morally reprehensible. In New Jersey, we will continue to coordinate across government and with our partners on the ground as we navigate the fallout from the federal government’s failure to act in the best interest of the American people.” “The impending cutoff of vital food assistance for New Jersey residents is an unconscionable affront to our core values of caring for those in need,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “The SNAP benefits that will be lost or delayed are a nutritional lifeline that puts food on the table for young families, senior citizens and the disabled. Accelerating the delivery of grants to Emergency Food Organizations in our local communities will help alleviate this food crisis. We are stepping forward to support the organizations and individuals who are working selflessly to prevent our fellow residents from going hungry.” “I applaud today’s announcement, which will enable our emergency food organizations on the front lines of fighting hunger to access the resources they need to meet this immediate surge in demand,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “In moments like this, we all have a responsibility to step up and do our part to ensure no one goes hungry. I urge our leaders in Washington to act swiftly to restore this funding and to end this uncertainty for the hundreds of thousands of families who rely on SNAP to put food on the table.” The following food and hunger grants have been expedited to support food banks as communities across the state brace for the loss of crucial safety net benefits:

OrganizationAmountCommunity Food Bank of New Jersey$22,525,000.00Food Bank of South Jersey$6,375,000.00Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean$6,375,000.00Mercer Street Friends Food Bank$4,675,000.00Norwescap$1,275,000.00Southern Regional Food Distribution Center$1,275,000.00Total$42,500,000

A number of pantries offer fresh produce in addition to stable, non-perishable foods, shopping appointments, and information about additional services. Residents can locate food pantries and community kitchens via NJ 211 here. “Food banks play a vital role in connecting our state’s farms with families in need,” said New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn. “By accelerating Food and Hunger grant funding, we are ensuring New Jersey’s Emergency Food Organizations have the resources necessary to respond to the needs of their surrounding communities. This will help ensure that the fresh, local food grown by our farmers continues to reach residents who might otherwise go without, especially during this time of uncertainty.” “Food security work is intentionally broader in the 21st Century because the challenges that existing systems and practices place on people, interconnect,” said Office of the Food Security Executive Director Mark Dinglasan. “Still, the reality is the day-to-day work of food banks and food pantries, including the six Food & Hunger grantees and their networks of local agencies, is very much needed in every community and each of our 21 counties. The collaborative way in which our colleagues across the Governor’s office, state agencies and partners in the Legislature have expedited these funding disbursements is a testament to how the state cares for all New Jerseyans’ well-being.” “For the first time in history, the federal government has failed to fund the SNAP program beginning November 1st which leaves more than 800,000 New Jerseyans who rely on SNAP feeling anxious and uncertain of where their next meal will come from,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “Amid this uncertainty, New Jersey is taking important action today to advance funding to Emergency Food Organizations to provide relief to families who are hungry and going without food. Of those who receive SNAP food assistance, nearly half are children, about 1 in 3 have a disability, and 1 in 5 are over the age of 60. This funding emergency has a real impact on neighbors, friends and loved ones across New Jersey and we thank the community food organizations for their partnership and commitment to help New Jerseyans through this emergency. I urge SNAP recipients to check NJ211 to connect to local food resources and to continue checking njsnap.gov for updates.” “Nobody deserves to go hungry, and it is unacceptable for our federal government to put essential nutrition programs in such a precarious position. SNAP and WIC are lifelines to our most vulnerable neighbors – babies and children, seniors and hard-working families – and we cannot let them down,” said Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “New Jersey did not create this crisis, but we will do everything we can to help ensure New Jerseyans don’t miss meals.” “The Trump Administration’s suspension of SNAP isn’t just reckless and cruel, it is illegal,” said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I applaud Governor Murphy for taking immediate action to accelerate grants to food banks across New Jersey as more and more residents will be forced to turn to them due to President Trump’s unlawful actions. At the same time, we are suing the Trump Administration to release SNAP contingency funds so that New Jersey families who depend on them have food at the table, and we will keep fighting until these critical benefits resume.” While new funds will not be made available on November 1, 2025, SNAP recipients will be able to access any funds in their account that have carried over from October 2025 or previous months. SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their balances online here. Additionally, in accordance with legislation signed by Governor Murphy in 2023 to raise the state’s minimum SNAP benefit, the approximately 32,000 households that routinely receive a State supplemental benefit to bring their monthly SNAP benefit to New Jersey’s $95 minimum can expect to receive the same next month. The amount per household is highly variable based on household size and circumstances. All children in families receiving benefits from NJ SNAP are automatically eligible to receive free school meals and are encouraged to take advantage of this resource. Families do not need to fill out an application. They simply need to go to the school cafeteria for lunch and/or breakfast as usual. Students who do not currently receive free school meals should contact their school district to complete an application, which can be accessed here. For households that are dual-enrolled in both SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the New Jersey Department of Health projects that, based on normal spending, WIC benefits and services will continue without interruption through the end of November 2025. In addition to contributing to adverse health outcomes for New Jersey SNAP recipients, the federal government’s failure to fund this program will also have a significant economic impact on the state. The New Jersey Department of Human Services notes that SNAP is a powerful economic multiplier, supporting more than 5,000 stores, grocers, and farmers markets. In Fiscal Year 2023, SNAP participants redeemed $2.5 billion in benefits at New Jersey retailers, accounting for 9.4 percent of statewide spending on food for consumption at home.
The Governor’s Office will continue to meet regularly with government agencies to monitor the impact of the federal government shutdown on food security, and the Murphy Administration will provide updated information and resources as they become available.