As Election Day approaches, Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity is set to host a town hall event with New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. The event is scheduled for Thursday at 9 p.m. ET at the Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Hannity will moderate, with Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner and correspondent Bryan Llenas joining to discuss key issues and provide updates. The town hall aims to address state-specific concerns and Ciattarelli’s proposed policies as he competes against Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
The New Jersey gubernatorial race, one of the few state contests held in the year following a presidential election, carries significant national attention. With over 800,000 votes already cast—predominantly through mail-in ballots—the race could be decided by voter turnout and base engagement. Ciattarelli, a former certified public accountant and medical publishing executive, has garnered the support of President Donald Trump, who has been actively involved in several key races. This endorsement highlights the potential influence of Trump’s political allies in shaping the outcome of the gubernatorial contest.
Early voting numbers have been a focal point for both candidates, with Ciattarelli touting the record turnout in in-person voting that has already exceeded previous years. Over 800,000 votes have been cast in the state race, with a majority through mail-in ballots. However, nearly a quarter of a million people have already cast ballots through in-person voting, surpassing the turnout in the early voting period from four years ago. This increased participation suggests a growing interest in the race, with both sides working to mobilize their bases.
Ciattarelli’s campaign has also been bolstered by high-profile visits from prominent figures associated with the Trump administration. Two top MAGA stars, Vivek Ramaswamy of Ohio and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, have joined Ciattarelli on the campaign trail, reinforcing the influence of Trump’s political network in the race. These endorsements and visits underscore the strategic importance of New Jersey in the broader context of the 2024 presidential election, given its status as a critical swing state.
The upcoming town hall event is expected to provide further insight into Ciattarelli’s policy positions and his ability to connect with voters. As the final days of the campaign unfold, the focus will shift to closing the remaining gap in voter turnout and securing the support of key demographics. With the race closely contested, the outcome could have significant implications for the political landscape in New Jersey—and potentially, the national stage.