Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli will take the stage in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in Middlesex County at 7 p.m.

Recent polls show a tight race and many New Jersey residents will want to see what the candidates say about the biggest issues facing the Garden State such as the high cost of living, the government shutdown, immigration and political tension across the country.

Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter and WPVI-TV anchor Tamala Edwards will moderate Wednesday night's debate. Our coverage is provided in partnership with WPVI-TV and Univision 41.

WATCH THE DEBATE HERE.

JC: We need a new school funding formula.

JC jabs at MS's opposition to "the big, beautiful bill."

MS: He says he's from New Jersey, but he's not fighting for New Jerseyans.

JC: My opponent has been blatantly lying.

MS: I held the highest levels of security clearance.

Why won't JC take accountability for the release of her records?

The Candidates joust.

JC: Release disciplinary records.

Why was MS punished at the Naval Academy?

MS: We now have a candidate who has turned over all of my records to reporters.

MAGA Movement, JC?

JC: I'm part of the New Jersey movement.

MS: Jack won't say one cross word about the President. He's even said New Jerseyans should take on a little bit of pain for Trump's tariffs.

JC: I'd certainly give the President an "A."

MS: I give him an "F."

That's Trump.

What about Murphy?

MS: I'd give him a "B."

JC: An "F." Worst governor of my lifetime.

MS: At every level, cuts to affordability for working people. Now, they've taken away healthcare in the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Drive down healthcare costs.

JC: The job of a governor is to get things done. [For Sherrill] Donald Trump seems to be responsible for everything in New Jersey.

Not responsible for property taxes, failed schools, etc.

MS: I know he likes to excuse Donald Trump for everything, because that's who he works for, basically.

JC: A pathway to recognition.

MS: Comprehensive immigration reform.

He's only going to do what Trump tells him to do.

Political violence:

Resources in to keep judges safe.

Worried we will see people step away from public life.

Work to keep people safe and not face political violence.

JC: Missed 90% votes in Washington [since running for governor].

Tamp down hateful rhetoric. I'm never going to tarnish the name my parents gave me.

Power and beauty in diversity.

MS: Supported free speech resolution but vehemently disagreed with Charlie Kirk.

Fought tooth and nail for Gateway funds.

Most afraid as a parent?

MS: Concerned about the world we're leaving to them.

Concerned about kids' mental health.

We are facing a mental health crisis.

Third grade reading is not where it should be.

JC: Mental health crisis, for sure.

I too am very concerned about the public education system.

Supports school choice. Vouchers. Charter schools.

**

MS: DT moving National Guard troops illegally.

JC: As governor, we'll have safe communities. We're going to be a law-and-order state again.

MS: I'm the only one who's actually worked closely with law enforcement.

JC: What I'm worried about is what I can control.

She does a dance with Mamdani.

MS: He puts down public service at every turn.

JC: I'm going to lower the business tax.

MS: As a businessman, he worked with some of the worst offenders and saying opioids are safe.

Made millions. Opioid companies made billions.

JC: Shame on you.

MS: Shame on you, sir.

JC: It's a lie. I'm proud of my career.

MS: The people you got addicted and died deserved better. You went on to kill tens of thousands [in the Opioid crisis]. Misinformation and propaganda.

JC: Broke the law.

MS: I don't trade in individual stocks.

JC: I support a woman's right to choose. What I don't support is making New Jersey the abortion capital of the country.

MS: I don't think he knows what's going on. He voted to defund Planned Parenthood.

JC: We're not Texas.

**

JC: She's owned by the teacher's union.

MS: He keeps citing Mississippi.

***

One thing on DAY ONE:

MS: Wants to join the court case against Trump tariffs.

JC: Pull out of RGGI.