TRENTON, NJ – Who won the New Jersey GOP primary election? Jack Ciattarelli has secured a decisive victory in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary, defeating conservative radio host Bill Spadea in a landslide.
The win, bolstered by a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump, positions Ciattarelli as the GOP nominee to challenge the Democratic incumbent in the November general election.
Ciattarelli, a moderate Republican with a business background, campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and education reform. His message resonated strongly with voters, earning him 62% of the vote compared to Spadea’s 35%, with minor candidates splitting the remainder, according to unofficial results from the New Jersey Division of Elections.
Trump’s endorsement, announced just two weeks before the primary, proved to be a game-changer. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Ciattarelli as “a strong leader who will bring jobs, cut taxes, and restore New Jersey’s greatness.” Political analysts credit the endorsement with galvanizing the GOP base, particularly in suburban and rural counties where Ciattarelli racked up significant margins.
Spadea, a vocal conservative and host of “New Jersey 101.5,” ran an energetic campaign focused on Second Amendment rights, parental control in schools, and opposition to state mandates. Despite a loyal following, Spadea struggled to expand his appeal beyond his talk radio audience. In his concession speech, Spadea congratulated Ciattarelli and urged Republicans to unite, stating, “The fight for New Jersey’s future continues, and I’ll be there every step of the way.”
Ciattarelli’s victory sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch against Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who defeated Ciattarelli in the 2021 gubernatorial race by a narrow 3.2% margin. With New Jersey’s economy, infrastructure, and property taxes remaining top voter concerns, the general election is expected to be fiercely competitive.
In his victory speech in Somerville, Ciattarelli struck an optimistic tone. “Tonight, New Jersey Republicans sent a clear message: we want practical solutions, not division. Together, we’ll make our state affordable, safe, and a place where every family can thrive.”
