Trump Endorses Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey GOP Governor Primary Race

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey's GOP primary, saying he's gone “ALL IN” on the “Make America Great Again” agenda.

Trump's backing was announced on Monday. Truth Social post and gives Ciattarelli's campaign a boost as he competes against two other Trump supporters and a state senator who has been critical of the president.

The president’s support and Ciattarelli’s expression of thanks to Trump in a separate social media post. showcase the president's impact within the party , even within Democrat-friendly New Jersey.

Trump's endorsement hinted at Ciattarelli's earlier criticism of Trump during his first run for the White House a decade ago, when he said Trump wasn't fit for the presidency.

“Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!),” Trump said in the Truth Social post.

Ciattarelli stated in a tweet that he felt "genuinely humbled and honored" by the endorsement.

"It's time to come together as a party, secure a major victory in November, and restore affordability and safety in New Jersey," he stated.

Bill Spadea, a previous radio show host who is also competing in the June 10 primary and advocates adopting the president’s strategy in New Jersey, proposed that the president supported Ciattarelli due to certain polls showing him ahead.

(Trump) backed a survey rather than a strategy," he stated on X. "We possess the sole strategy along with fundamental principles aimed at restoring sanity to the governance of New Jersey.

Trump's endorsement comes after he met earlier this year with Ciattarelli at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club.

Ciattarelli's campaign indicated they pursued the president's support and highlighted their success in the 2024 election where the president helped turn previously Democratic counties Republican.

Although New Jersey consistently supports Democratic candidates in national presidential and Senate races, the state’s elections for governor, which take place in odd-numbered years, have alternated between Republican and Democrat winners.

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, a two-term incumbent, cannot seek a third-straight term under state law. Democrats are also locked in competitive primary.

Along with Ciattarelli and Spadea, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and state Senator Jon Bramnick are also vying for their party’s endorsement.

Ciattarelli, aged 63, works as both an accountant and the proprietor of a small business. Additionally, he has experience serving in the state Assembly and at the county level. Although unsuccessful in his past gubernatorial bids, Ciattarelli narrowly missed out on unseating Murphy in 2021. However, in 2017, he was defeated during the Republican primary by former Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.