PERTH AMBOY - Mikie Sherrill was at the local CTown supermarket Friday morning to lambaste House Republicans for the recent passage of what Donald Trump calls a "big, beautiful bill."

She condemned it for reducing SNAP, or food stamp, benefits, and giving tax breaks to the wealthy. Sherrill also said Trump's tariffs are likely to cause uncertainty in the market and raise food prices for everyone.

The House bill passed by a single vote and now goes to the Senate.

As a Democratic congresswoman from CD-11, condemning a Republican initiative is par for the course.

But then Sherrill got to the punchline. She said of Republicans in Washington.

"They have a yes man and his name is Jack Ciattarelli."

Ciattarelli, who has been endorsed by Trump, is the leading candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in the June 10 primary.

Polls have Sherrill topping the six-person Democratic field.

So, there you have it - the beginning of the general election at the start of Memorial Day weekend.

Sherrill, who also spoke about lowering food prices at an event last fall in Trenton, said that as governor she would take a number of steps to that end.

They include going after big food monopolies, supporting the creation and growth of small retailers, free school meals for needy children and help for farmers in the Garden State.

The congresswoman was praised by local officials, one of whom described her as a "mother who has a plan." The congresswoman has four children.

Sherrill returned the favor.

This was Middlesex County and Sherrill paid tribute to Craig Coughlin, the Assembly Speaker and local legislator, for his work to combat food deserts.

She said Coughlin long has been a leader and advocate for food security

The politics here is easy to understand. Middlesex is a Democratic-leaning county. Sherrill needs to do well here in June, and, if applicable, in November.