Upcoming New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Heats Up

Exclusive — Linden, New Jersey — With less than two weeks to go before Election Day, confidence among Republicans appears to be on the rise. Recent polls indicate that Jack Ciattarelli is narrowing the gap with U.S. Rep. Mikey Sherrill, making this one of only two gubernatorial races in the country this year.

“Early voting kicks off this Saturday, and we believe that if we get solid results, we will win. Let’s keep up the momentum,” Ciattarelli told enthusiastic supporters in a busy diner in this small town.

Having aimed to rally the Republican base as the polls tighten, Ciattarelli joined Rep. Byron Donald from Florida, a close ally of former President Trump, during a round of campaign stops on Wednesday.

Donald praised Ciattarelli’s campaign. “He’s been doing a fantastic job, and I’ve been observing from afar,” he said during an interview. “Ultimately, it’s about securing a win. We need to support every candidate to get across the finish line.”

A Close Contest for Governor

Ciattarelli, who has previously run for governor three consecutive years and nearly defeated Democratic Governor Phil Murphy four years back, feels that this time is different.

“The 2021 race was very close. Now people are paying attention,” Ciattarelli noted.

In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a substantial margin, Ciattarelli’s recent gains have been apparent. Several polls from Fox News, Quinnipiac University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Rutgers-Eagleton University over the past two weeks have shown him closing in on Sherrill, who is vying to replace the term-limited Murphy.

Key Races to Watch

“I think we are in a strong position,” Ciattarelli emphasized. “Often, these polls reflect close races, which can be expected in a state where Republicans are the minority party. Support from Democratic mayors indicates a desire for change, and that’s what we aim to deliver when we win this election.”

Donald, who is gearing up for a bid for governor in Florida next year with Trump’s backing, added, “The wind is on our side in New Jersey.”

When asked about his visit, he replied, “It’s crucial for New Jerseyans to get out and vote. That’s what matters most right now.”

Donald is not the first prominent figure to support Ciattarelli; just last week, he campaigned with Ohio’s gubernatorial candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, creating an energized atmosphere at diners filled with supporters.

A notable sentiment from some Republicans in New Jersey suggests a strong loyalty among Trump supporters. “Four years ago, around 400,000 Republicans sat out the election. If Ciattarelli can bring even half of them back to the polls, he’s got a great chance,” remarked former Republican Party Chairman Patrick Cascio.

Democrats, however, claim that Ciattarelli’s alignment with MAGA figures may backfire. Ryan Radulowacki, spokesman for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, criticized Ciattarelli for collaborating with Donald, saying it showcases his misalignment with New Jersey’s needs.

Political Climate This Election Cycle

New Jersey and Virginia stand as the sole states with gubernatorial elections in an off-year, typically considered a gauge for upcoming midterms. This year’s races are being interpreted, to some extent, as a reflection on Trump’s recent policies.

While Democrats have historically been more prevalent in state elections, Republicans have made significant headway, winning five out of the last ten gubernatorial contests. Notably, even though Trump lost New Jersey in the last presidential election, he did so by a mere six points, a substantial improvement from a sixteen-point gap four years earlier.

As the election approaches, uncertainty looms over whether Trump will actually join the campaign trail in New Jersey. While he’s confirmed to hold a call with Ciattarelli before Election Day, Ciattarelli didn’t directly respond when asked if he’d welcome the former president’s physical campaign presence.

Final Debate and Campaign Themes

In their second and final debate, Sherrill challenged Ciattarelli on his apparent support for Trump, criticizing him for lack of independence. When asked about his stance on the president, Ciattarelli stated he identifies more with “the New Jersey movement.” He even rated Trump’s performance highly, which Sherrill quickly seized upon as a negative indication of Ciattarelli’s priorities.

With just a couple of weeks left, Sherrill’s campaign emphasized Ciattarelli’s praise for Trump, stating it showcases his unsuitability for New Jersey. Meanwhile, Donald dismissed the criticism of linking Ciattarelli to Trump as ineffective, arguing that positive national policies resonate with New Jersey voters.

Sherrill has rallied significant support from high-profile Democrats, including a planned appearance by former President Barack Obama just ahead of Election Day.

In contrast, Ciattarelli’s team argues that the Democrats’ mobilization efforts indicate a lack of confidence. Chief strategist Chris Russell labeled the urgency for Obama to campaign as a sign of panic within the Democratic Party.

The Democratic National Committee has also increased financial support for the New Jersey Democratic campaign, signaling the importance of this election cycle.

Traditionally, New Jersey’s gubernatorial elections favor the party in power at the White House, but the political landscape could shift dramatically in the coming days.