Jack Ciattarelli believes he will win the New Jersey governor’s election and turn the state Republican.

New Jersey Governor Candidate’s Confidence Ahead of Election

Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican candidate for governor in New Jersey, displayed a strong sense of optimism on Friday as he foresaw not just a victory in November but also the potential for a Republican majority in the state legislature, something that hasn’t happened in decades.

During an appearance on “Fox & Friends” with host Steve Doocy at a diner in Hackensack, Ciattarelli described his race against Democrat Mikie Sherrill as a “dead heat.” He remarked, “We have 61 days ahead. We’re going to finish strong and bring victory to New Jersey.”

Ciattarelli has promised to cut taxes and streamline government operations in a state often criticized for its high living costs.

He emphasized the need for reduced taxes on individuals and businesses by downsizing state government, suggesting that changes in school funding could help lower property taxes. “We’ll do that,” he asserted.

In his campaign, he also expressed hope for a Republican majority in Congress, recalling that his party flipped eight seats during his 2021 gubernatorial run.

After winning New Jersey by a narrow margin in the 2024 presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris remains a point of contention as Ciattarelli plans his strategy.

“We definitely aim to achieve a Republican majority this year,” Ciattarelli stated confidently. “You can flip 13 seats this year. If we do that, it’ll mark something that’s been absent for 25 years. This could bring in a Republican majority in the state legislature.”

It’s worth noting that New Jersey isn’t just a “deep blue” state in gubernatorial races. Ciattarelli pointed out that Republicans have won six of the last 11 elections, with Chris Christie succeeding in both 2009 and 2013 before Democrat Phil Murphy took the helm for the last two terms.

Referring to Sherrill, Ciattarelli remarked, “My opponent is basically Murphy 2.0. She’s not even from New Jersey. I have a suggestion—maybe consider a candidate who actually knows the state.”

As he prepares for the final push before the election, Ciattarelli acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with a recent poll showing him trailing Sherrill by seven points.