Trump Endorses Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s Governor Primaries
Donald Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli, New Jersey’s leading Republican governor candidate, during a virtual rally. Trump praised Ciattarelli’s credentials and called for voter participation in the upcoming primaries. Ciattarelli aims to cut property taxes and fight against illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Democrats are seeing a competitive primary with Rep. Mikie Sherrill gaining traction. The primary elections are a test for both parties ahead of November’s governor race, with Ciattarelli currently leading in GOP polls.
Donald Trump has thrown his considerable backing behind Jack Ciattarelli, New Jersey’s leading Republican candidate for governor, during a virtual rally on June 2. Trump praised Ciattarelli as “the most experienced and battle-tested” candidate, despite the businessman’s previous critiques of him. The ex-president’s endorsement comes as Ciattarelli promises to cap property taxes and combat illegal immigration, calling on voters to start early voting on June 3 ahead of the June 10 primary.
During the rally, Trump claimed, “Jack has what it takes to win. He has my complete and total endorsement.” His comments came just before early voting, emphasising that New Jersey could shift from its typically blue voting pattern. It’s worth noting that Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is term-limited after this election, paving the way for what could be a significant political change in the state.
The crowded primary contests for both parties have ramped up fundraising, breaking previous records. By May 12, candidates raised nearly $59 million and spent over $43 million, according to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Republicans seem to have a stronger frontrunner in Ciattarelli, who previously called Trump a “charlatan” but has since aligned himself closely with the former president.
Ciattarelli was labelled the leading Republican candidate before Trump’s endorsement, while his primary opponent, Bill Spadea, is positioning himself as a staunch Trump supporter. Spadea openly expressed disappointment over Trump’s support for Ciattarelli, claiming, “Jack did more than disagree with the president — he disrespected him.”
On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill is leading the pack, having gathered significant endorsements, including one from tennis player Billie Jean King. With other notable names like Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop in the running, the Democratic primary remains an intense competition.
Trump, while stumping for Ciattarelli, focused more on the Democratic challengers than his potential GOP rivals. He promised that if elected, Ciattarelli would tackle issues like tax reductions and curbing crime, saying, “I can’t do any better than that, Jack. So get out there and win.”
Ciattarelli responded warmly to Trump’s endorsement, pledging his first executive order would centre on dismantling “sanctuary cities” that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Public polls show Ciattarelli capturing 44% of GOP support, with Sherrill at 28% among Democratic voters, signalling a tight race ahead.
As the June 10 primary approaches, all eyes will be on New Jersey, a state known for swinging between party leadership in gubernatorial elections. With the stakes high, both parties are keenly aware that this contest could set the tone for the upcoming midterms.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
