Trump Backs Ciattarelli in NJ Governor’s Race Tele-Rally Push/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race during a tele-rally. Trump emphasized rising energy costs and criticized Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill. With early voting about to begin, Trump encouraged Republican turnout and hinted at joining Ciattarelli on the campaign trail.
Trump Backs Ciattarelli in NJ Governor’s Race — Quick Looks
- Trump endorsed GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli in a tele-rally.
- He focused heavily on reducing energy bills as a core campaign issue.
- The former president may join Ciattarelli after his Asia trip.
- Trump criticized Democratic rival Mikie Sherrill over energy costs.
- He urged mail voters to act but questioned ballot security.
- New Jersey is one of two states with a 2025 governor’s race.
- Former President Obama to campaign for Sherrill on Nov. 1.
- Polls show a close race with Sherrill slightly ahead.
Deep Look
Trump Rallies Behind Ciattarelli in Bid to Flip New Jersey Governor’s Seat
In a tele-rally held Friday night, President Donald Trump called on voters in New Jersey to throw their support behind Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, delivering a strong push just ahead of the state’s early voting kickoff on Saturday.
Speaking from the White House before departing for an overseas trip to Asia, Trump expressed full confidence in Ciattarelli’s platform, particularly his commitment to lowering energy costs, which has become a central issue in the campaign. Trump praised Ciattarelli’s understanding of the energy sector and argued that his policies would cut household energy bills dramatically.
“He knows energy better than anybody I know outside of the energy business,” Trump stated during the rally call. The former president also reminded listeners of his personal connection to the Garden State, where he owns a golf club and frequently vacations during the summer months.
Before boarding his flight to Malaysia, Trump doubled down on his endorsement. “Jack is going to be great and he’s going to cut your energy bills in half,” he said. He contrasted Ciattarelli with Democratic opponent Mikie Sherrill, claiming her policies would lead to higher costs for residents. “On energy alone, I think Jack should win,” Trump added, framing the issue as pivotal for voters.
Though Trump has previously endorsed Ciattarelli, the two have yet to make a joint appearance on the campaign trail. Ciattarelli, however, has fully embraced Trump’s backing, giving him an “A” rating for his time in the White House. The campaign, according to Ciattarelli, has been in regular contact with Trump’s team, which has offered assistance in the final weeks of the race.
The ten-minute rally call was aimed at energizing Republican voters and improving turnout, particularly among those using vote-by-mail options. Trump encouraged the use of mail ballots but also voiced skepticism about the process, echoing long-standing concerns he has voiced since the 2020 election.
“Sometimes I think you’re better off in person,” Trump remarked. “But you do it the way you want to do it. You got to make sure the votes are counted, because New Jersey has a little bit of a rough reputation, I must be honest.”
The New Jersey governor’s race is one of just two statewide gubernatorial elections in 2025, alongside Virginia, making it a key early test of both parties’ momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms. With the Biden administration halfway through its term, political analysts are watching closely for signs of voter sentiment and potential vulnerabilities.
Trump has yet to confirm whether he will campaign in person with Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Virginia. However, former President Barack Obama has already been scheduled to appear at a rally with Sherrill and Virginia Democratic hopeful Abigail Spanberger on November 1, signaling strong Democratic mobilization efforts in both contests.
Polls indicate a close race in New Jersey, with Mikie Sherrill holding a slight lead. A four-term member of Congress, Sherrill brings a notable resume as a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, and she has used that background to frame herself as a pragmatic, experienced leader.
In contrast, Ciattarelli has focused his message around economic issues, particularly energy affordability, positioning himself as a candidate who understands working families’ challenges. His alignment with Trump may energize Republican loyalists but could prove polarizing in a state that has leaned blue in recent election cycles.
With the November 4 election fast approaching, both campaigns are ramping up their final efforts. Trump’s vocal support signals the high stakes Republicans see in this race — and their belief that a victory in New Jersey could set the tone for GOP gains in 2026.
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