President Trump has officially weighed in on New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary, throwing his support behind Jack Ciattarelli, the former GOP nominee who narrowly lost the 2021 race for governor.
In a statement posted Monday on Truth Social, Trump praised Ciattarelli as “a terrific America First candidate” and declared his full endorsement. He emphasized that Ciattarelli, after embracing the MAGA movement, is now “100% (PLUS!)” committed to the cause.
“Jack is strongly supported by New Jersey’s most highly respected leaders,” Trump said. “And as your next Governor, he will work closely with me and my administration to advance the America First agenda.”
Ciattarelli, who came within a few points of defeating Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in the last election, now finds himself in a competitive GOP primary. Other contenders include former radio host Bill Spadea and state Senator Jon Bramnick.
New Jersey, though historically leaning blue, has shown some shifting political winds. While former President Biden carried the state by 15 points in 2020, Vice President Harris’s margin in the 2024 election shrank to just 5 points. Republicans hope to capitalize on that momentum in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Trump made it clear he sees Ciattarelli as the candidate best equipped to take on the Democrats and lead the charge against what he called “the Radical Left.” In his words, “Jack is the Republican candidate who is best positioned to STAND TALL and ensure a big victory in this very important gubernatorial election.”
He also framed the race as nationally significant, warning against the return of what he described as “WOKE” politics and calling the outcome one “closely watched by the entire world.”
“Jack Ciattarelli is a WINNER, and has my complete and total endorsement,” Trump concluded. “He will not let you down. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN ELECT JACK CIATTARELLI!”