Trump-Backed Jack Ciattarelli Clinches GOP Nomination in New Jersey Governor’s Race, Sets Stage for High-Stakes Showdown with Mikie Sherrill

By: Fern Sidman

In a closely watched and fiercely contested race that held national political implications, former New Jersey Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli on Tuesday emerged victorious in the Republican gubernatorial primary, securing the party’s nomination with strong backing from President Donald Trump. As reported by Fox News Digital, Ciattarelli’s win places him on a collision course with Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the November general election to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

Ciattarelli’s triumph, projected by the Associated Press just 20 minutes after polls closed, caps a heated campaign where loyalty to Trump was a central theme among the five GOP contenders. The former state lawmaker—now making his third bid for governor—defeated notable opponents including conservative radio personality Bill Spadea and state Senator Jon Bramnick. Trump’s endorsement, delivered late in the race, was widely credited with propelling Ciattarelli to a decisive victory.

“To our most well-known part-time New Jersey resident, who honored me with his endorsement and strong support—thank you, President Donald J. Trump,” Ciattarelli said to a cheering crowd in his victory speech Tuesday night, according to Fox News Digital.

Trump, who maintains a summer residence at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, had thrown his full support behind Ciattarelli in a tele-rally just ahead of early voting. “I’m asking you to get out and vote for a true champion for the people of your state—Jack Ciattarelli,” Trump told voters, calling Ciattarelli a “real success story.”

Ciattarelli, speaking with Fox News Digital shortly before the primary, said the president’s backing was “a really big deal” and emphasized the impact Trump continues to have in New Jersey. Trump narrowed his deficit in the Garden State from 16 points in 2020 to just six points in his victorious 2024 reelection campaign.

Despite his strong showing among the GOP base, Ciattarelli faced sharp criticism from within the party, particularly from Bill Spadea, who had hoped to secure Trump’s nod. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Spadea expressed disappointment over not receiving the endorsement, accusing Trump of “endorsing a poll and not a plan.”

“I have been a supporter of President Trump since he came down the escalator,” Spadea said, referencing Trump’s 2015 campaign launch. “There is no question that I am the commonsense conservative. I am the actual Republican in this primary.”

Spadea argued that Ciattarelli had shown wavering support for Trump in the past and lacked the conservative credentials needed to energize the GOP base. “He has disrespected [Trump] for the better part of the last eight years,” Spadea alleged.

However, Ciattarelli’s renewed embrace of Trump’s agenda appeared to solidify his standing among primary voters. Speaking with Fox News Digital, he cited Trump’s efforts to suspend offshore wind development off the Jersey Shore, challenge New York’s congestion pricing plan, and push for an expansion of the SALT (state and local tax) deduction as key policies that resonate with New Jersey residents.

With the GOP nomination secured, Ciattarelli now turns his attention to a high-stakes battle against Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a decorated Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor who easily won the Democratic primary. Sherrill’s candidacy has been buoyed by strong support from the Democratic establishment and her appeal to suburban voters.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, quickly celebrated Ciattarelli’s win, saying in a statement reported by Fox News Digital, “Jack knows what it takes to provide New Jersey families with much-needed relief and has proven that he has the plan to fix New Jersey with commonsense solutions.”

Kemp also slammed Sherrill, arguing that she “must defend her failed record in Washington that has led to skyrocketing costs, failed schools and left New Jersey families struggling.”

Meanwhile, the Democratic Governors Association characterized the GOP contest as a “MAGA battle,” criticizing both Ciattarelli and Spadea for aligning closely with Trump. “Two-time loser Jack Ciattarelli has emerged from this bruising, messy and expensive primary more damaged and out-of-touch than he began,” said DGA senior communications adviser Izzi Levy, in remarks cited by Fox News Digital.

Ciattarelli’s success marks a political resurgence. After a failed primary bid in 2017, he captured the Republican nomination in 2021 and came within just three points of unseating Gov. Phil Murphy—far exceeding expectations in a deeply blue-leaning state. This history has given Ciattarelli a reputation as a formidable general election contender.

As a certified public accountant and former entrepreneur who founded a medical publishing company, Ciattarelli has cultivated an image of pragmatism and fiscal responsibility. His fundraising prowess also enabled him to dominate the GOP primary airwaves, further strengthening his position.

Asked by Fox News Digital why Trump ultimately chose him over other contenders, Ciattarelli responded: “The president wants to win. He knows that I provide the best opportunity to win in November.”

He also noted that his campaign had outraised “the other five Republican gubernatorial candidates combined,” further highlighting his electability.

With just five months until the general election, Ciattarelli signaled he is ready for a tough, highly nationalized contest. In his victory speech, he predicted that Sherrill would attempt to tie him to Trump at every opportunity.

“Mark my words, while we focus on these key New Jersey issues, my Democratic opponent will do everything in her power to change the subject,” Ciattarelli said. “Trust me, if this campaign were a drinking game and you took a shot every time Mikie Sherrill says Trump, you’re going to be drunk off your a– every day… between now and Nov. 4.”

Ciattarelli also made it clear that he’s looking forward to Trump’s continued involvement. “I think New Jerseyans are anxious to have him on the campaign trail with me,” he told Fox News Digital, “and help deliver a win for us in November.”

While New Jersey has leaned Democratic in recent presidential contests, gubernatorial races have often been competitive. Republicans have won six of the last eleven gubernatorial elections—a point Ciattarelli was quick to stress. “It’s not a blue state when it comes to governor races,” he said.

With the primary battles now in the rearview mirror, both parties are bracing for what promises to be one of the most high-profile gubernatorial contests of 2025. The stakes are clear, the battle lines drawn—and with Trump and his influence looming large, the eyes of the nation are once again turning toward New Jersey.