Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for New Jersey governor, is facing growing criticism for his involvement in an event featuring prominent anti-vaccine activists. Ciattarelli is scheduled to be a distinguished guest at a gala alongside keynote speaker Sherri Tenpenny, a well-known figure in anti-vaccine circles. Tenpenny has previously propagated unfounded claims about COVID-19 vaccines, including that they can make people magnetic and interact with 5G towers. Such assertions are widely discredited by medical experts.
The event also features Mary Holland, CEO of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nonprofit, who has controversially likened mandated vaccines to slavery. This aligns Ciattarelli with a group that is often criticized for spreading misinformation about vaccines and public health.
Mikie Sherrill, a concerned community member, expressed her disapproval by emphasizing the dangers of politicians aligning with conspiracy theorists. She argues that such associations can lead to reduced vaccine access and an increase in preventable illnesses among children. Sherrill is actively involved in forming a new regional public health collaborative to address these concerns.
Ciattarelli’s participation in the gala and his close ties with anti-vaccine and extremist groups raise questions about his stance on public health and vaccine mandates. His platform includes opposing mandatory vaccination schedules and supporting medical and religious exemptions.
The controversy comes as the subject of vaccination continues to be a hot topic in political and public health discussions, influenced by changing federal guidelines and unverified theories. As the debate over vaccine requirements intensifies, this event highlights the divergence in views among New Jersey’s political candidates and the potential implications for public health policy in the state.