Jack Ciattarelli may have just become New Jersey’s JD Vance. President Donald Trump’s pick to be New Jersey’s next governor once called him a “charlatan” who was “not fit” for the Oval Office. Ciattarelli’s right-wing opponents have used those comments from 2015 against him ever since, arguing he is not sufficiently with the MAGA movement.
The Trump Endorsement
On Monday, Trump diffused that argument with a “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Ciattarelli, calling him “a terrific America First Candidate” who “after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!).” Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker making his third run for governor, has embraced Trump’s agenda.
It may be enough to propel Ciattarelli to the party nomination next month given Trump’s popularity among the party base and Ciattarelli’s own narrow loss to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021.
Navigating Political Terrain
If successful, Ciattarelli would likely find himself navigating thorny terrain much like Vance has: Appealing to a broad spectrum of voters as a commonsense conservative while remaining sufficiently loyal to Trump.
Ciattarelli has already started charting that course, focusing on utility prices, property taxes, and development in New Jersey’s suburbs — issues that resonate with Garden State Republicans.
Trumpian Direction in New Jersey
Ciattarelli has signaled he’d take New Jersey in a more Trumpian direction than the Murphy administration, actively pushing back against the White House’s policies. He has promised not to sue Trump over “any of his executive orders” and to work with the administration on various issues.
Even though Democrats still have more registered voters than Republicans in New Jersey, the GOP has made significant registration gains, setting the stage for a potential Republican governor in the state.
Evolution of Stance
Ciattarelli’s embrace of Trump contrasts sharply with his 2021 gubernatorial campaign, where he walked a tightrope of embracing Trump to please the GOP base while not appearing too MAGA in a blue-leaning state.
Republicans caution that it’s not a flip-flop, but an evolution. Ciattarelli has only moved in “one direction” on Trump, indicating a genuine shift in his stance.
Trump’s endorsement makes Ciattarelli the favorite in the Republican primary, positioning him well against his opponents who have rallied around Trump’s support.
Future Prospects
While Trump’s endorsement boosts Ciattarelli’s chances in the primary, some in the party caution about the challenges it may pose in the general election. New Jersey’s blue-leaning status could present hurdles despite Ciattarelli’s previous close race against Murphy.
His political evolution reflects the changing landscape of the Republican party in 2025, aligning himself with Trump’s agenda and strategies to secure support and navigate the complex political environment in New Jersey.
