Vice President JD Vance has weighed in on the New Jersey gubernatorial race, criticizing the state’s current leadership as ‘crap leadership’ and endorsing Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Vance’s remarks were made on X, where he encouraged New Jersey voters to support Ciattarelli, who is running against Democrat Mikie Sherrill. The race is a pivotal moment for the state, which has historically favored Democratic candidates, making it a potential target for Republicans seeking to flip a traditionally blue state.
Ciattarelli, a Republican businessman and former Republican governor of New Jersey, faces Sherrill, a Democrat and former state senator. The race is considered one of the most important in the 2024 election cycle, with the potential to reshape the political landscape of the Garden State. Both candidates have been actively campaigning, with Ciattarelli receiving endorsements from high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has publicly supported him. Trump, a former president and current Republican leader, has praised Ciattarelli, calling him a ‘GREAT Governor’ and stating he will ‘never let you down.’
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama, who is running for the Democratic nomination for president, has also weighed in on the race, although his focus has been on the national presidential election. Obama, during a recent visit to New Jersey, addressed the state’s political climate, criticizing the current national political environment. He emphasized the importance of electing leaders who can help build a ‘better, stronger, brighter future’ for the state. Obama’s comments have drawn attention, as many voters in New Jersey may see the gubernatorial race as a barometer of the broader political mood in the state.
The New Jersey gubernatorial race is expected to have significant implications beyond the state, as it will be a test of whether the Republican Party can successfully shift a longtime Democratic stronghold. The results will be closely watched by political analysts and observers, as they could provide insights into the national electoral landscape. With polls closing on Election Day, the outcome of the race will be a key indicator of the political climate in the United States at this critical juncture in the 2024 election cycle.