Trump Stumps for GOP’s Jack Ciattarelli Ahead of New Jersey Primaries
Donald Trump supports Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primaries, emphasizing Ciattarelli’s experience and policies against illegal immigration and taxes. The primaries occur on June 10, crucial for determining future political momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump’s backing comes as spending for this primary season reaches historical levels, and both parties see competitive fields for candidates.
Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Jack Ciattarelli, the leading Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, just ahead of the state’s upcoming primaries. In a rally held over the phone on June 2, Trump praised Ciattarelli as the “most experienced and battle-tested” candidate, despite their earlier differences. He lauded his commitment to capping property taxes at 1% and tackling illegal immigration while urging voters to participate in early voting starting June 3, ahead of election day on June 10.
New Jersey’s gubernatorial race this November is critical as it could influence political dynamics leading up to the 2026 midterms. The state is set to have a new leader since Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited. Ciattarelli appears to be the frontrunner among the Republicans, while the competition within the Democratic party remains murky as both sides head toward the primaries.
Notably, 2025’s primary spending is on track to break records as candidates collectively amassed approximately $59 million, with over $43 million spent by mid-May, according to the state’s Election Law Enforcement Commission. Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli came after they seemed to reconcile past criticisms when Ciattarelli described Trump as a “charlatan” back in 2015.
Trump first disclosed his endorsement via Truth Social, stating that Ciattarelli has fully embraced the “America First” agenda, contrasting with his main rival, Bill Spadea. Spadea, positioning himself as a staunch Trump supporter, expressed disappointment over Trump’s choice, suggesting that Ciattarelli had previously disrespected the former president. The GOP ballot also includes candidates like state Senator Jon Bramnick and former mayor Mario Kranjac.
Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is leading the pack, armed with notable endorsements such as from tennis legend Billie Jean King. She faces stiff competition from other Democrats like Congressman Josh Gottheimer and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop in the upcoming primary.
Trump’s focus seems less on internal Republican contests and more on defeating Democrats. He pointed out Ciattarelli’s strengths in cutting taxes and combating crime, implying that he would be a change from “crippling regulations” and “radical teachers’ unions.” Ciattarelli, in response, aims to prioritize law enforcement cooperation and safety in his potential first acts as governor.
Polls suggest Ciattarelli currently leads with 44% support among Republican voters, while Sherrill is ahead at 28% among Democrats. The electoral results on June 10 will likely shape the narrative for the governor’s office that has a history of swinging between parties, notably with Chris Christie’s Republican tenure and Murphy’s current Democratic leadership. New Jersey’s recent trends show an emerging competitive edge in state races, hinting at a potentially tight race come election day.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
