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PINE HILL, NEW JERSEY – With just one week remaining until primary day in New Jersey, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli received a significant endorsement from the party’s most influential figure, Donald Trump. This endorsement could reshape the dynamics of an already competitive race.
During a tele-rally held to energize supporters ahead of the early voting kickoff, Trump passionately urged attendees to back Ciattarelli, stating, “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.” This marks Trump’s second endorsement for Ciattarelli’s campaign in a primary that has drawn intense attention to the former president’s backing.
Following the endorsement, Ciattarelli expressed his gratitude, highlighting the significance of Trump’s support. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, he remarked, “It’s a really big deal… The president’s doing very, very well in New Jersey.” His acknowledgment underscores the importance of Trump’s popularity among the Republican base in the state.
Ciattarelli’s Political Journey
Ciattarelli, a former lawmaker, is making his third attempt to secure the gubernatorial seat. His previous efforts included an unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination in 2017, followed by a strong challenge against Democratic incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, in which he narrowly lost.
As he prepares for the current primary battle to replace Murphy, who is term-limited, polls indicate Ciattarelli is a front-runner among three notable contenders. His rivals include Bill Spadea, a conservative talk radio host, and Jon Bramnick, a state senator and former Assembly GOP leader.
Intense Rivalry within the GOP
The contest has sparked considerable rivalry, most notably between Ciattarelli and Spadea. Both candidates have engaged in a public competition to demonstrate their loyalty to Trump. Spadea expressed disappointment over Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, stating, “We wanted the President’s endorsement. Unfortunately, the President endorsed a poll and not a plan.” This sentiment reflects the high stakes surrounding Trump’s influence in the race.
During a Fox News Digital interview, Spadea insisted, “I have been a supporter of President Trump since he came down the escalator.” He further branded himself as the true conservative candidate in the primary, suggesting Ciattarelli lacks the same level of support for Trump.
Spadea has gone as far as claiming that Ciattarelli has shown disrespect toward Trump over the past eight years, a statement that highlights the fierce competition and emotions at play in this race.
Campaign Dynamics Shaped by Fundraising
Despite his disappointment, Spadea noted that his campaign has experienced an unexpected upswing in support following Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli. He shared, “We had a surge, our two best days ever in low-dollar fundraising. So it actually has had the opposite effect.” This newfound momentum seems to energize his grassroots efforts, dramatically increasing voter engagement.
Spadea stated, “Almost every Trump supporter that we’ve talked to thinks that Donald Trump made a huge mistake endorsing Ciattarelli.” This reaction reflects the divided sentiments among Trump’s followers and the strategic implications of endorsements.
Strategies and Voter Appeal
When discussing the endorsement, Ciattarelli pointed out that Trump seeks victory in the upcoming election, believing he provides the best chance to win. Ciattarelli’s fundraising efforts have been notable, citing that he has outpaced all other Republican gubernatorial candidates combined.
This financial advantage allows Ciattarelli to dominate the advertising landscape, a critical component in swaying undecided voters. Despite Spadea’s assertion that he has ramped up his own advertising efforts in recent weeks, the early funding advantage remains significant for Ciattarelli.
Spadea contends that his extensive media experience positions him favorably, claiming, “I built the largest audience in the state… my appeal is not just that conservative base in the Republican Party.” His optimism rests on the notion that he can attract votes from independents and moderate Democrats in addition to traditional Republican supporters.
The Landscape of New Jersey Politics
Traditionally, New Jersey leans Democratic, but the state has witnessed successful Republican gubernatorial campaigns. Ciattarelli highlighted the party’s historical performance, stating, “Republicans have won six of the last eleven gubernatorial elections.” This statistic offers a glimmer of hope for the GOP in an otherwise challenging political environment.
Trump’s relationship with New Jersey has also seen shifts. After a disappointing 2020 election showing, where he lost to Biden by 16 points, he significantly improved his performance in the subsequent election to a deficit of just six points. This change in dynamics may influence voter perceptions going into the primary.
Looking Ahead to the General Election
With the general election on the horizon, Ciattarelli eager to have Trump campaign alongside him. He believes that Trump’s presence on the trail will energize supporters and could play a crucial role in securing victories.
New Jersey’s governor’s race will draw national attention, positioning it as a critical battleground in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Given its significance, Ciattarelli is preparing for a fiercely competitive race, welcoming the scrutiny from voters and political observers alike.
As Election Day approaches, Ciattarelli remains confident, stating, “The country is watching, and I think we’re going to deliver a very loud and clear message that New Jersey’s going Republican this year.” His conviction underscores the high stakes of this ongoing primary battle.
