MIDDLETOWN, N.J. — Middletown Mayor Tony Perry formally endorsed Jack Ciattarelli on Tuesday night, declaring Republican rival Bill Spadea’s campaign “over” following former President Donald Trump’s high-profile endorsement of Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s GOP gubernatorial primary.
“Trump decided the best person for the job that can win in November against Democrats is Jack Ciattarelli,” Perry said during his endorsement, pointing to the former president’s support as a decisive moment in the race.
Perry praised Ciattarelli’s integrity as the key reason he earned Trump’s backing and said it would be a defining factor in the general election. “It’s the reason Trump endorsed Jack,” Perry said.
Despite several polls showing him leading the primary field, Ciattarelli has not taken the former president’s endorsement or the numbers for granted. His campaign has continued to emphasize outreach and consolidation of party support.
Ciattarelli campaign gains ground
Perry credited Trump’s leadership and national influence as a significant advantage for Ciattarelli, describing the endorsement as a clear signal to Republicans across New Jersey.
The endorsement comes amid increased pressure on Spadea, a conservative talk show host, whose campaign now faces mounting questions about its viability heading into the June primary.
With backing from Trump and key local leaders like Perry, Ciattarelli’s position as the GOP frontrunner appears increasingly solid ahead of November’s matchup with Democrats.