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The state of New Jersey has two gubernatorial candidates in place, one of which will to take over for current Gov. Phil Murphy in November.
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) has won the Democratic gubernatorial primary and former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli won the Republican gubernatorial primary, which was announced on Tuesday.
One of the most significant issues in the Atlantic City casino market is employees being subjected to smoke from cigarettes and cigars. How the candidates feel about the issue is critical to Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), which has been working to eliminate smoking at New Jersey casinos for years.
Pete Naccarelli, longtime Atlantic City table games dealer and co-founder of CEASE, congratulated the parties as CEASE seeks an endorsement from both candidates before the election:
“In the leadup to the election, we were encouraged by the number of candidates that stepped up to smoke-free casinos and committed to protecting our health.
“We hope that as they continue their campaigns for New Jersey governor, Rep. Sherrill and former Assemblyman Ciattarelli will the long list of candidates who have added smoke-free casinos to their campaign platforms and pledged to close the casino smoking loophole once they enter office.”
Where the candidates stand on smoking issue
It appears as if Sherrill is more in favor of a smoking ban inside Atlantic City casinos. PlayNJ gathered stances of candidates in December. At that time, Sherrill said she thought a solution could be found short of a full ban.
“I know there is ongoing work being done on compromise legislation, and I want to see a proposal that prioritizes employees’ health and also keeps good-paying jobs here in Atlantic City.
“We need to make sure Atlantic City’s tourism industry remains competitive – and their economy more vibrant – so I am committed to finding common ground to these workers at a time when we know everyone is struggling to get by.”
In August, Sherrill “questioned why there is a fight to allow smoking – something she feels hurts the city’s ability to attract the next generation,” according to ROI-NJ.
Ciattarelli appears to have more of a neutral stance on the hot-button issue.
“I believe it should be left up to the employers and the unions. At the end of the day, if there’s people who don’t want to work in the smoking sections, it’s at that point in time the casinos will have to address it.”
CEASE has called out New Jersey lawmakers several times for not advancing Bill A2143, which was introduced by Assemblyman William Moen in January 2024 and hasn’t moved since.
Murphy has said he’d sign a bill that would ban smoking if it ever crossed his desk. CEASE is hoping the next governor would do the same.
