President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli has placed the former state lawmaker at the forefront of New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Ciattarelli, a third-time gubernatorial candidate, has previously run in 2017 and 2021, earning a narrow loss against Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy in 2021. Trump’s support is seen as a critical asset for Ciattarelli, who is currently the front-runner in the race against Bill Spadea and state Sen. Jon Bramnick.
Bill Spadea, a prominent conservative talk radio host and former businessman, has criticized Trump’s endorsement, arguing that Ciattarelli lacks a clear plan while Trump is seen as a poll-driven choice. Spadea, however, reported a surge in grassroots involvement and fundraising following the endorsement, indicating that his campaign remains competitive despite the setback.
The race is shaping up as a major test of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, with both candidates vying for the endorsement of New Jersey’s voters. Ciattarelli emphasized that Trump’s policies resonate with the state’s voters, including support for SALT deductions and opposition to wind farms. Meanwhile, Spadea is positioning himself as a broader appeal across party lines.
As the primary approaches, political analysts are closely watching the race for its implications on the broader GOP strategy and its potential impact on the 2024 presidential election, considering the state’s significance as one of the key battlegrounds ahead of the national vote.