Republican Gubernatorial Candidates Embrace Trump’s Tactics Ahead of 2025 Election
Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate in New Jersey, and Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears are the only two GOP candidates in the upcoming gubernatorial elections of 2025. As the campaign heats up, both seem inclined to adopt strategies reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s MAGA approach.
With Election Day set for November 4, just weeks away, both candidates are active—holding rallies, engaging in debates with their Democratic rivals, and presenting platforms that echo Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision.
Recent public engagements by both Ciattarelli and Sears suggest a growing alignment with Trump’s policies and campaign tactics, particularly as they navigate the final stages of their campaigns.
Ciattarelli’s Gubernatorial Pursuit
Ciattarelli aims for his third run for governor, bolstered by Trump’s appeal to voters in New Jersey during the 2024 federal election. Interestingly, the state previously backed former Vice President Kamala Harris for president, but Trump and the GOP managed to flip five counties, narrowing the electoral margin significantly from 16 points in 2020 to 6 points in 2024. This has given the state’s Republican Party some optimism about 2025.
Trump endorsed Ciattarelli earlier this year, stating that the self-identified “Jersey guy” is fully committed to the MAGA cause. Despite having previously criticized Trump during the 2016 campaign, Ciattarelli is now on board with several of Trump’s stances—such as opposing protections for undocumented immigrants, advocating for a voter ID system, and pushing for reductions in spending and taxes in a high-cost state.
In the current race, Ciattarelli faces Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who has drawn comparisons to Harris and is positioned as a successor to incumbent Governor Phil Murphy. On October 10, Ciattarelli staged a rally in Wildwood, a location that Trump previously favored, to celebrate the growing conservative sentiment in the state.
The event, labeled “America First — Return to the Wildwoods Rally,” attracted notable MAGA influencers. An influential ally of Trump, Benny Johnson, planned to attend but later withdrew due to a threatening letter. Following this, the Justice Department took action against those involved.
As Ciattarelli’s campaign intensifies, he has adopted a more aggressive stance, threatening legal action against Sherrill for her perceived profiteering from the opioid crisis. This mirrors Trump’s legal conflicts during his campaign, including a defamation lawsuit against ABC news anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Sears Eyes the Leadership Role
In Virginia, Winsome Earl Sears seeks to become the next governor as current Governor Glenn Youngkin’s term comes to a close. Sears is vying against Democrat Abigail Spanberger, as Democrats attempt to reshape political dynamics in the state.
While Trump has not formally endorsed Sears, her campaign is still touting his policies. During a recent debate, her debate style—which included frequent interruptions—echoes Trump’s confrontational approach. Similar tactics were evident in previous Trump debates against Biden.
Sears positioned herself as a critic during the debate, challenging Spanberger on her affiliations with Jay Jones, a Democratic candidate entangled in a scandal. This tactic also included a pointed question about Spanberger’s support for Jones amidst growing tensions.
Without Trump’s active involvement in the voting process, his influence looms large over the election. Sears’ aggressive debate behavior led to interventions from moderators, underscoring the contentious atmosphere.
Both candidates in Virginia have lauded key MAGA policies, such as repealing state sanctuary immigration practices and significant tax reforms. Despite some past criticisms of Trump, Sears’s campaign has expressed deep admiration for the former president’s achievements since his time in office.
The campaign has outlined Sears as a fighter for conservative values and working Americans. They claim she embodies the effective leadership needed to secure the governor’s position and push back against far-left ideologies.
As both gubernatorial races unfold, the impact of Trump’s strategies and endorsement—or lack thereof—remains to be seen. The candidates are navigating a complex interplay of support, criticism, and electoral strategy as they approach the decisive moments ahead of November.
