overthinking with nick.

The audience enjoyed a rally, filled with critiques towards President Trump, and little discussion of local policies.

by Nick DiCicco

Oct 2, 2025

New Jersey Governor candidate Mikie Sherrill speaks at a rally while her supporters hold up campaign signs. After an hour of local Democratic politicians speaking, Sherrill got up to speak about the Trump administration, Jack Ciattarelli, and the recent release of her private information. Vineland, NJ. September 27, 2025. (Nick DiCicco/Rowan University)

VINELAND, N.J.—With statewide elections approaching and close polls, nearly a dozen local Democratic politicians and candidates gathered to speak at the South Jersey for Victory Rally 2025. Rep. Mikie Sherrill ended the event by accusing Jack Ciattarelli and the Trump administration of leaking her Naval academy records and private information about her and her family.

Many attendees voiced their concerns for both state, and national politics.

“Affordability in New Jersey is getting outrageous, freedom of choice, of speech.” Dev Ganguly, attendee, said. “Things that are being taken away by the federal government.

Other attendees spoke also about national issues. Paula Dibruno, resident of New Jersey for thirty-years, said she was concerned about gun control and climate change.

Tim Alexander, a lawyer running for Congress in 2026 was concerned about New Jersey’s shift towards the right, and attributed it to Democrats messaging, but that Mikie Sherrill was a start in the right direction.

“Our messaging is horrible, Democrats, I’m talking about, we do not speak straight forward,” Alexander said.

Before the event, attendees talk to each other, and local democratic politicians. The room was filled with people from all over New Jersey. Vineland, NJ. September 27, 2025. (Nick DiCicco/Rowan University)

State Senator John Burzichelli introduced the event, and the many speakers, to the nearly three hundred people that attended.

Speakers were given a two minute speech period. They discussed local issues, national issues, and encouraged attendees to vote, and get others to vote for Mikie Sherrill.

Many speakers stressed the importance of the election, and called for change and victory,

Dan Hutchinson, assemblyman from the 4th District, said that if Mikie Sherrill doesn’t win, Jack Ciattarelli would redistrict the state, like state legislators in Texas.

Many speakers called for citizens to vote, campaign, and work to help get democrats in office. Anthony Angelozzi, candidate for general assembly in the 8th District, encouraged the crowd to get active.

“Be the result you want,” Angelozzi said.

Many speakers spoke about their goal to improve the lives of workers and their support for unions. They said that South Jersey is full of average working class Americans, and that a Jack Ciattarelli win would give tax breaks for the rich.

The Trump administration was the most frequent talking point, and attack throughout the night.

The local politicians often refrerred to him as, “the orange man,” and frequently speak about his actions which have effected the state, and that Jack Ciattarrlli would be a continuation of the President’s agenda.

Mikie Sherrill told the attendees that she would defend the Constitution, and would fight back against the Trump administration’s cuts on health care and education.

“I have served a long time, and I never forget who I serve,” Sherrill said. “And it’s not Donald Trump.

Sherrill also accused her opponent Jack Ciattarelli, and the Trump administration of leaking her Naval academy records, and personal information.

The leak exposed her social security, her parent’s personal information, and addresses. The crowd yelled, and called for Jack Ciattarelli to be disqualified.

Sherrill promised that New Jersey citizens would not have to experience the same thing, and that she would protect people’s information as governor.

Other state government policies Sherrill discussed included freezing utility hikes, bringing more power to the grid, dealing with the mental health crisis, and introducing the Kid’s Online Safety Act.

Attenddee, Dev Ganguly, holds a homemade sign in the audience of the rally. The sign refers to Mikie Sherrills time serving in the Navy, and her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, who did not serve. Vineland, NJ. September 27, 2025. (Nick DiCicco/Rowan University)

Throughout the speeches, the audience cheered many times. They were engaged, and responsive to the words said. The volunteers gave campaign signs to the attendees, which they held up in the air many times as they cheered.

The rally was around two hours long, with a 15 minute break before Mikie Sherrill spoke.

After the event, volunteers approached attendees asking them to join a door knocking, or phone campaign.

“So if you would just say it with me, three times, to close me out.” Sherrill said.
“Hit the road Jack.”

The crowd chanted, and clapped, as Sherrill exited.