Trump Urges NJ Voters to Support Ciattarelli \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Donald Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary. Trump’s support comes as early in-person voting begins across the state. Ciattarelli pledged to end sanctuary policies and oppose federal legal challenges.
Quick Looks
- Trump held a 10-minute call rally backing Jack Ciattarelli.
- Ciattarelli promises to repeal sanctuary policies if elected governor.
- Trump criticized New Jersey’s “high-tax, high-crime” Democratic governance.
- Primary voting begins Tuesday, with Election Day on June 10.
- Ciattarelli leads a crowded Republican field of five candidates.
- Democrats face a six-way primary with key congressional and local leaders running.
Deep Look
As early in-person voting kicks off in New Jersey, former President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. In a rallying phone call to supporters on Monday, Trump urged Republicans to seize the moment and flip the traditionally blue state, accusing Democrats of creating a “high-tax, high-crime sanctuary state.”
Trump’s 10-minute tele-rally was the latest signal of his increasing involvement in state-level races as the GOP sets its sights on regaining ground in key battlegrounds. While New Jersey leans Democratic, especially in presidential and Senate contests, its governorship has historically flipped between parties, making this year’s race a high-stakes political contest.
“New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show,” Trump declared during the call, referring to what he described as years of Democratic mismanagement. He framed the race as a referendum on the state’s political direction and emphasized early voting, echoing his broader 2024 campaign messaging.
Ciattarelli’s Evolution and Trump’s Influence
Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, has undergone a political transformation. Once critical of Trump, he is now a vocal ally. Trump formally endorsed Ciattarelli last month, and the candidate has since embraced the former president’s policy style and rhetoric.
One of Ciattarelli’s top pledges is to repeal New Jersey’s sanctuary-style policies for undocumented immigrants. He vowed that his first executive order as governor would end any protections that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Currently, New Jersey’s Attorney General has instructed local law enforcement agencies not to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in civil immigration matters—a directive Ciattarelli says he would reverse immediately.
“There will be no sanctuary policies in a Ciattarelli administration,” he declared, echoing the hardline immigration stance that has become central to GOP messaging.
A Legal Shift: No Lawsuits Against the White House
Ciattarelli also took aim at New Jersey’s current legal posture toward the federal government. Under Democratic leadership, the state has joined multiple lawsuits challenging Trump-era policies, including one contesting his attempt to end birthright citizenship.
If elected, Ciattarelli said the Attorney General he appoints will not engage in partisan lawsuits against the White House—signaling a dramatic shift from the combative relationship that marked Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s administration.
A Crowded Republican Field
Ciattarelli is the frontrunner in a competitive GOP primary that includes four other candidates:
- Bill Spadea, former conservative radio host
- Jon Bramnick, a state senator and moderate Republican
- Mario Kranjac, former mayor of Englewood Cliffs
- Justin Barbera, a contractor from South Jersey
Despite the competition, Trump’s endorsement is expected to give Ciattarelli a significant advantage, particularly among the former president’s loyal base.
Democratic Field Still Unsettled
While Republicans are finalizing their nominee, Democrats face a heated six-way primary. The contenders include high-profile figures such as:
- U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill
- Mayors Ras Baraka of Newark and Steven Fulop of Jersey City
- Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney
- New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller
The Democratic nominee will face an uphill challenge to maintain party momentum amid growing voter fatigue and calls for change.
Voter Landscape in New Jersey
New Jersey leans heavily Democratic on the surface, with Democrats holding a voter registration advantage of approximately 800,000 over Republicans. However, independents comprise a significant portion of the electorate. Historically, the state has alternated between Republican and Democratic governors, including recent GOP wins by Chris Christie in 2009 and 2013.
This year’s race is expected to be competitive, particularly if Ciattarelli emerges from the primary with momentum and Trump’s continued support.
Key Election Dates and Voting Information
- Early In-Person Voting: Begins Tuesday and continues through Sunday.
- Mail-In Voting: Started in late April and is ongoing.
- Primary Election Day: Set for June 10.
The primary will set the stage for what is expected to be a nationally watched gubernatorial race, with implications that stretch beyond state borders.
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