Trenton, NJ — Bill Spadea is returning to the New Jersey airwaves next week, but don’t expect him to rally behind Republican frontrunner Jack Ciattarelli. In a sharp statement released this week, the outspoken radio host made it clear he won’t endorse Ciattarelli, calling him “wrong for New Jersey” and distancing himself from the party’s establishment pick ahead of November’s gubernatorial election.
Ciattarelli handily defeated Spadea in the New Jersey GOP primary election in June. Now, he’s returning to his AM-FM morning radio job at New Jersey 101.5.
Jack Ciattarelli was endorsed by President Donald J. Trump, which led Spadea to attack the president’s judgement in the race.
The longtime self-described conservative commentator and losing GOP gubernatorial candidate broke his silence on the race, addressing what he called confusion about his stance.
Though Ciattarelli has claimed Spadea’s base is already behind him, Spadea dismissed that notion and said he has no intention of offering support to someone he believes will maintain the political status quo.
“Jack Ciattarelli has already said in interviews that, as best he can tell, Spadea’s followers are all in,” Spadea said. “If that’s true, then he doesn’t need my endorsement.”
He went on to say he would not “pretend” to support someone he believes is a placeholder, not a fighter.
The remarks highlight a growing rift inside the state Republican party. While Ciattarelli is widely seen as the presumptive nominee, Spadea has maintained a populist appeal with conservative voters, many of whom view him as a more combative alternative to the GOP establishment.
While Spadea railed against the “GOP Establishment,” his key supporter and consultant during his campaign was Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, who represents the epitome of the Republican establishment gone wrong in New Jersey. Gilmore, a convicted felon who was to serve a federal prison sentence on tax charges, was pardoned by President Donald J. Trump and returned to power. He has been largely ineffective in his role since retaking the Ocean County chairman’s seat previously lost due to his criminal activities. Gilmore is also a paid consultant for a Democrat political lobbying firm operated by the Norcross family in South Jersey.
Spadea’s refusal to endorse Ciattarelli could further fracture conservative voter enthusiasm in what’s expected to be a competitive fall election. 2025 could be a repeat scenario as 2021, as Spadea hedges his bets on the Democrat nominee, Mikie Sherrill.
Spadea said his priority remains “fighting for local candidates, businesses, families and community leaders” rather than “propping up the political machine.”
The comments serve as his first political statement since stepping back from his own campaign ambitions and hint at continued involvement in grassroots activism — though without any formal run.
Spadea will resume hosting his popular morning show on NJ 101.5 starting Monday.
