Election Update: Ciattarelli Gains Momentum in New Jersey

Bayonne, New Jersey – With just under three weeks until New Jersey’s Election Day, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli expressed optimism about receiving support from President Donald Trump.

“Clearly, many people in New Jersey are satisfied with the president’s performance,” Ciattarelli mentioned in a recent exclusive conversation.

His remarks come as new polling data indicates that the two-time Republican candidate is narrowing the gap with his competitor, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, in the race to take over for term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

As the election nears, sources have revealed that Trump plans to have a phone call with Ciattarelli ahead of the voting period.

Only two gubernatorial elections in the United States are scheduled for 2025, setting the stage for a fierce three-week lead-up to the polls.

A partnership between Trump and Ciattarelli could invigorate the Republican Party’s MAGA supporters, who often tend to stay home during non-presidential election years.

Trump’s backing might be crucial for Ciattarelli, who is making his third run for governor in what is anticipated to be a low-turnout election and almost managed to upset Gov. Murphy four years ago.

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states with gubernatorial contests the year following a presidential election, typically attracting considerable attention and acting as a political barometer for the next year’s midterms.

This cycle is viewed, to a significant extent, as a referendum on Trump’s ambitious agenda for a second term.

Trump’s Influence Expected to Grow in 2025 Election

Ciattarelli stated that the public seems “very happy with the president’s achievements for New Jersey,” referencing the president’s actions against wind farms along the Jersey Shore, his commitment to eliminating New York City’s congestion pricing, and his focus on tax breaks and border security.

Earlier this year, Trump endorsed Ciattarelli for the gubernatorial nomination and also led a conference call for him prior to the June primary.

According to Quinnipiac University data, Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman and military veteran, holds a significant lead among likely voters with support at 50%.

Ciattarelli has garnered 44% in the same poll conducted from October 9 to 13, showing a slight narrowing of Sherrill’s lead from eight points in September.

Despite trending slightly ahead in voter enthusiasm, Ciattarelli is perceived less favorably compared to Sherrill.

Though Trump is absent from the ballot, the New Jersey gubernatorial race is gathering substantial interest.

During last week’s final debate, Sherrill accused her Republican counterpart of not standing up to the president. She remarked that Trump regards Ciattarelli as “100% MAGA,” emphasizing the connection.

Final Debate Highlights: Ciattarelli vs. Sherrill

When asked about his alignment with the MAGA movement, Ciattarelli stated he aligns more with “the New Jersey movement.” He later rated Trump’s performance as an “A,” asserting he believes the president is making the right decisions.

Sherrill responded by stating, “This clearly shows where Jack Ciattarelli stands; I give him an F given New Jersey’s high cost of living.”

Historically, while Democrats have overwhelmingly won in New Jersey, the Republican Party has remained competitive in gubernatorial elections, winning five out of the last ten.

Despite a significant victory for Trump in the last presidential election, his margin was notably closer this time compared to four years prior.

“We’re grateful for the support offered by the White House” Ciattarelli remarked last month, mentioning ongoing communication with them regarding campaign strategies.

While indications suggest Trump might not appear in New Jersey directly, campaign strategist Kris Russell noted appreciation for the ongoing support from Trump and his advisors.

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In a statement, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) labeled Ciattarelli as “desperate” following reports of Trump’s involvement. Deputy Communications Director Abbi Rahman emphasized that the election boils down to Ciattarelli being “100% pro-Trump,” while Sherrill represents “100% pro-New Jersey.”