Trump lost here by just 6 points last fall, a credit to his appeal among the state’s large working-class population. Over and over, Sherrill linked Ciattarelli to the Republican president and his far-right MAGA movement and his more controversial policies. A free speech clash on a somber nightBoth candidates weighed in on Kirk’s death, condemned political violence and vowed to defend free speech. “I have a different kind of background, so I’m going to be a different kind of governor,” Sherrill said. Sherrill blamed higher prices on the Republican president, his “big, beautiful bill” and his tariffs.