Today marks primary day in New Jersey, part of an exclusive group of states, alongside Virginia, holding gubernatorial elections this year. The spotlight shines on President Donald Trump, whose influence looms large over both Republican and Democratic gubernatorial races. In the GOP primary, Jack Ciattarelli has emerged as the frontrunner after securing Trump’s endorsement just days before the election. Trump praised Ciattarelli during a tele-rally, urging supporters to vote for him as a true champion for New Jersey. Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker making his third attempt for the governorship, emphasized the significance of Trump’s backing and noted the president’s popularity in the state.
With Ciattarelli leading the Republican candidates, he faces competition from notable figures like Bill Spadea and Jon Bramnick. Throughout the campaign, Spadea has openly expressed disappointment over Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, arguing he has a stronger claim to the former president’s support. Spadea has framed himself as the true conservative and questioned Ciattarelli’s genuine support for Trump, claiming that Ciattarelli has “disrespected” Trump over the years. He asserted his long-standing loyalty to Trump, stating he remains the quintessential Republican in the race.
Despite losing the endorsement, Spadea acknowledged a surge in grassroots support following the announcement, reflecting that some Trump supporters believe the endorsement was a misguided decision. He highlighted his campaign’s increased fundraising and volunteer engagement as indicators of rising support, while Ciattarelli responded that Trump endorsed him for a reason: he believes Ciattarelli offers the best chance to win in the general election. Ciattarelli has leveraged his significant fundraising ability to dominate the advertising landscape in the GOP primary.
As the candidates vie for the Republican nomination, the Democratic side features a competitive primary with six major candidates, including prominent representatives and mayors. The Democratic Governors Association views the Republican contest as a “MAGA battle,” framing it as reflective of the extremism present within the GOP. Each Democratic candidate, while aiming to honor the legacy of current Governor Phil Murphy, also seeks to introduce change to the state’s politics. They have criticized Trump’s administration while positioning themselves strategically ahead of the November elections.
Historically, despite New Jersey’s blue tendencies, Republicans have successfully captured the governorship, winning six out of the last eleven elections. Ciattarelli argues that this long-standing success presents an opportunity for Republicans, especially in light of Trump’s improved performance in the state during recent elections. As both parties prepare for the general election, Ciattarelli anticipates Trump’s active participation on the campaign trail, believing it will energize support among New Jersey voters.
As the primaries unfold, news from New Jersey remains a focus nationally, influenced by recent FAA outages and a statewide transit strike, which have caused significant disruptions. Notably, protests involving leading Democratic candidates at an immigration enforcement facility have garnered attention, highlighting the charged political atmosphere within the state. With early voting having concluded and faces set for Election Day, the political dynamics in New Jersey serve as a crucial barometer for both parties as they prepare for the approaching gubernatorial race.
