By: Fern Sidman

In a move that has sent ripples through New Jersey’s political landscape, all Jewish councils representing the communities in and around Lakewood have unanimously endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor, marking the first time in state history that the region’s Orthodox leadership has thrown its full collective support behind a GOP candidate. As reported by VIN News on Saturday evening, the endorsement—announced Friday—brings together influential councils from Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Howell, and Manchester, representing an estimated 65,000 voters in one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing and most politically active blocs.

This sweeping show of unity, according to the VIN News report, represents a historic break from precedent. Lakewood’s Jewish community has traditionally leaned Democratic, often prioritizing pragmatism and local cooperation over partisan identity. Yet this year, as residents grapple with issues ranging from rising taxes and education funding to public safety and religious liberty, local leaders say the choice of Ciattarelli reflects a growing conviction that the Republican nominee offers the leadership and respect their community deserves.

“Jack Ciattarelli has demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to our communities—from economic opportunity to religious freedom and public safety,” the councils said in their joint statement, as quoted in the VIN News report. “We believe he is the leader New Jersey needs to move forward.”

Lakewood, long considered the beating heart of New Jersey’s Orthodox Jewish population, has historically supported Democrats at the state level, even as local voting patterns have grown more conservative. Analysts told VIN News that the unanimous endorsement of Ciattarelli signals a decisive political realignment, one that could transform not only Ocean County’s electoral map but potentially the trajectory of the entire gubernatorial race.

In 2021, Ciattarelli came within striking distance of unseating Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, narrowing a gap that most polls had projected as a landslide. Since then, his outreach to faith-based communities, and particularly the Orthodox Jewish population in Lakewood, has been described in the VIN News report as “strategic, sustained, and deeply personal.”

“Jack has shown up for this community—not just during election season, but year-round,” said one local council member, speaking to VIN News on condition of anonymity. “He listens, he understands our schools, our businesses, and our values. That means something.”

At the heart of the councils’ endorsement lies a confluence of issues that have reshaped the priorities of Orthodox voters in recent years. The joint statement cited in the VIN News report emphasizes three core areas: economic relief, public safety, and protection of religious freedoms.

On the economic front, Ciattarelli has campaigned vigorously against what he calls “New Jersey’s affordability crisis,” pledging to lower property taxes and cut red tape for small business owners—a message that resonates strongly in Lakewood, where a flourishing network of family-owned enterprises drives local growth.

Public safety, too, has become an increasingly urgent concern. The councils’ statement, as highlighted in the VIN News report, criticized recent state reforms that “undermined law enforcement and jeopardized neighborhood security.” Ciattarelli, by contrast, has vowed to restore confidence in policing, support first responders, and ensure that “New Jersey’s laws protect the innocent, not the criminal.”

Finally, the issue of religious autonomy has galvanized Orthodox leaders across the region. From zoning disputes affecting synagogues and yeshivas to parental rights in education, the councils view Ciattarelli as a candidate who “respects the community’s way of life” and defends the principle of faith-based independence that is central to Orthodox identity.

In a statement carried in the VIN News report, Ciattarelli expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement and reiterated his commitment to the community’s concerns.

“I am honored to receive the support of these influential councils,” Ciattarelli said. “Their trust reflects my dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive New Jersey for all residents. Together, we can create an environment where families feel safe, businesses can grow, and every community’s voice is heard.”

The VIN News report noted that Ciattarelli’s remarks were delivered with a tone of both humility and determination—a recognition of the political weight this endorsement carries. Analysts believe the move could galvanize broader support among conservative and swing voters in Ocean County, where turnout among Orthodox residents often proves decisive in close elections.

Political observers interviewed by VIN News described the endorsement as a potential “game-changer” for Ciattarelli’s campaign. Ocean County, one of the most populous in New Jersey, has emerged as a critical battleground, with Lakewood serving as its political nucleus.

“Lakewood’s turnout is not just high—it’s disciplined and organized,” said one political strategist cited in the VIN News report. “When the councils unify like this, it has a cascading effect throughout the county. This could very well determine the margin in November.”

Indeed, the community’s influence extends beyond Ocean County. Neighboring towns like Toms River and Jackson—both included in the endorsement—have seen rapid demographic growth, with significant Orthodox Jewish populations that could shape statewide results.

The VIN News report also pointed out that the councils’ decision was not made lightly. For years, Jewish communal leadership in the region has maintained close working relationships with officials from both major parties, prioritizing pragmatic engagement over political alignment. The unanimity of this endorsement, therefore, represents a deliberate and historic recalibration.

The endorsement, as reported by VIN News, reflects a broader realignment in the political priorities of Orthodox Jewish voters nationwide. Once considered reliably Democratic on local matters, many faith-based communities have grown increasingly concerned over policies related to education, crime, and religious expression.

In Lakewood and surrounding towns, these issues are particularly acute. The community’s vast network of yeshivas, nonprofits, and small businesses has faced rising costs and tightening regulations under state and local administrations. Meanwhile, growing frustration over school funding formulas and infrastructure neglect has deepened the perception that state leaders have taken the region’s support for granted.

“People here are tired of being overlooked,” one community leader told VIN News. “They’re looking for someone who doesn’t just promise to listen—but actually does.”

The endorsement comes as the 2025 gubernatorial race intensifies, with early voting already underway and both campaigns pouring resources into key counties. Ciattarelli’s Republican campaign faces a competitive contest against his Democratic opponent, whose base remains concentrated in urban and northern districts.

According to the information provided in the VIN News report, the Republican’s path to victory will depend heavily on energizing suburban and faith-based voters—an effort that Lakewood’s unified support could significantly advance. “This is more than an endorsement—it’s an organizing signal,” one GOP strategist told the outlet. “It gives momentum, credibility, and structure to the campaign’s grassroots push in South Jersey.”

The unanimous endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli, as the VIN News report observed, is not merely a symbolic gesture—it represents the consolidation of political will across one of New Jersey’s most influential religious communities. It signals a readiness to engage more assertively in shaping state policy and a confidence that the Republican platform now aligns more closely with the community’s vision of growth, safety, and self-determination.

Whether this marks a permanent political shift or a response to current discontent remains to be seen. Yet for now, Lakewood’s unified voice has made one thing clear: in a state known for its unpredictable politics, the Orthodox Jewish community has emerged as a decisive force—and its endorsement could well determine the direction of New Jersey’s future.