In the GOP primary for governor, businessman and former New Jersey Senator Jack Ciattarelli, backed by Trump, secured a significant victory, potentially paving the way for more Maga Republicans in the state.
At 63, Ciattarelli from Somerville led a competitive field of four Republican candidates, maintaining a double-digit advantage for most of the primary. The Associated Press declared him the winner at 8:17 PM ET, with 67.4% of the vote.
His closest challenger was Bill Spadea, a former talk radio host, who garnered 20.9% and finished in second place.
Moderate state senator John Bramnick, representing affluent areas like Bernardsville and Chatham, came in third with around 7% of the vote.
Ciattarelli’s campaign focused on local issues such as property tax caps, spending cuts, and income tax reductions for residents in New Jersey. Interestingly, despite previously criticizing Trump in 2015, calling him “not fit” for office, Ciattarelli has aligned himself with many of Trump’s policies.
Trump has since applauded Ciattarelli, promoting him as a strong figure against the Democratic Party, even declaring him “the first candidate in America.”
Staying true to the Trump administration’s views on immigration, Ciattarelli has pledged to prevent municipalities from becoming sanctuary cities.
Voter Evelyn Ginenez Keenan, 55, expressed her support for Ciattarelli at a polling station in Belleville, particularly applauding his stance on immigration. Keenan, who identifies as a registered Republican with Puerto Rican roots, emphasized the importance of everyone pursuing their American dreams, but also raised concerns about the implications of broad immigration policies on taxpayers.
“Look at the crime rates,” she said. “We want people here who are empowered and contribute positively to our state.”
Ciattarelli also proposed the idea of establishing a Garden State Department of Transportation, which would consolidate New Jersey’s transit systems into a single governing body.
He previously faced off against Governor Phil Murphy in 2017 and 2021, losing by a mere three points in his latest attempt.
The upcoming gubernatorial election is set for November 4th.
