Trump’s Influence Dominates New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary Despite Absence from Ballot

Trump’s Influence Dominates New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary Despite Absence from Ballot

Today marks primary day in New Jersey, one of only two states alongside Virginia that holds gubernatorial elections in this cycle. The focus on the ballot is on the contentious races for both the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominations with President Donald Trump looming large over the proceedings.

In the Republican primary, frontrunner Jack Ciattarelli secured Trump’s endorsement just weeks prior. This endorsement has become a pivotal element in the GOP primary, which has seen candidates vie vigorously for the former president’s backing.

During a tele-rally just before the start of early voting, Trump urged supporters to vote for Ciattarelli, calling him a champion for New Jersey. The president stated, “I’m asking you to get out and vote for a true champion for the people of your state: Jack Ciattarelli. He’s been a friend of mine, and he’s been a real success story.” The endorsement is indeed considered a significant advantage in this competitive race.

Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker and certified public accountant, is making his third attempt to capture the governorship after nearly beating Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy in 2021. Having come close in that previous election where he lost by just three points, Ciattarelli appears to have positioned himself as the GOP’s leading contender again.

In his comments to Fox News Digital, Ciattarelli emphasized the importance of Trump’s endorsement by stating, “The president’s doing very, very well in New Jersey,” after engaging with local GOP leaders at Trump National Golf Club in Philadelphia.

The Competitive Republican Field

The Republican primary features a five-person field, including two notable candidates: Bill Spadea, a conservative talk radio host and entrepreneurial businessman, and Jon Bramnick, a lawyer with extensive experience as the state Assembly’s GOP leader. This diverse group adds to the competitive atmosphere of the primary.

Throughout the campaign, Ciattarelli and Spadea have publicly sparred over their respective loyalty to Trump. Spadea expressed disappointment regarding Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, suggesting that despite his strong conservative credentials, he felt the endorsement was not aligned with their campaign plans.

Spadea’s Position and Support Base

Spadea, who insists on his steadfast support for Trump dating back to the former president’s initial campaign announcement in 2015, argues that he represents the true conservative voice in the primary. He stated, “There is no question that I am the commonsense conservative. I am the actual Republican in this primary.” This assertion is aimed at reassuring his supporters, especially following the latest developments concerning Trump’s endorsement.

Reflecting on the fallout from Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, Spadea noted a surge in grassroots activity for his campaign in the aftermath. He stated, “Our supporters are galvanized. In the wake of the endorsement, we recorded our two best days ever in low-dollar fundraising. It has actually had the opposite effect—our grassroots efforts are stronger than ever.”

The Upcoming Democratic Contest

While the Republican primary garners significant attention, the Democrats face their own internal contest. Six prominent candidates are contending for the nomination, including notable figures such as Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

The Democratic Governors Association refers to the escalating rivalry on the Republican side as a “MAGA battle,” emphasizing the perceived extremism within the GOP primary. All candidates are navigating the complexities of their association with Trump while trying to appeal to a broader Democratic electorate that seeks to rebound from past electoral setbacks.

Democratic candidates have heavily criticized Trump’s aggressive policies on various issues, including immigration and government cuts. They are working to establish a narrative that highlights their vision for change while aiming to constructively build upon Governor Murphy’s legislative achievements.

Trump’s Political Relevance in New Jersey

Despite the state’s historical inclination toward Democratic candidates, the Republican Party has demonstrated periodic success in gubernatorial elections—winning six of the last eleven contests. This fact advances the GOP’s argument that New Jersey is competitive and not as solidly blue as might be perceived.

Trump’s residence at his golf club in Bedminster and his increased appeal in the state since 2020—all indicate a shift that could potentially benefit Republican candidates like Ciattarelli. His performance in the state looks hopeful, having diminished his loss margin from sixteen points in 2020 to six points in the 2021 elections.

Ciattarelli is eager for Trump’s presence on the campaign trail, positioning it as a beneficial element for his campaign heading into the general election. He believes New Jerseyans are ready for Trump’s support to deliver a significant victory in November.

State of New Jersey Politics

New Jersey has generated headlines recently for a variety of reasons. From striking issues at Newark Liberty International Airport leading to chaotic travel situations to ongoing public protests over immigration policies, the political landscape continues to evolve. Additionally, the impending primaries showcase various challenges Democrats and Republicans alike must navigate to secure their party nominations.

Early in-person voting took place from June 3 until last Sunday, with mail-in ballots needing to be postmarked by Election Day and received by the county Board of Elections within six days post-election.

Polling places opened today at 6 a.m. and will remain available until 8 p.m., setting the stage for active participation from the electorate.

Fox News’ Remy Numa contributed to this report.