JACKSON, N.J. – New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has endorsed Al Couceiro, a lifelong firefighter and EMT, in Jackson’s hotly contested Township Council race.
His endorsement puts him at odds with candidate Chris Pollak, most known for his past 17 years cosplaying in public as the “Dark Guardian,” a self-described real-life superhero who once patrolled the streets of New York City with a band of other costumed superheroes from around 2000 until about 2020.
Pollak, now running for local office has been critical of the GOP nominee for governor and has accused Ciattarelli of backing “people who are trying to do us harm.”
Ciattarelli is backing the entire Ocean County GOP Republican ticket from top to bottom this year.
Key Points
- Jack Ciattarelli endorses firefighter and EMT Al Couceiro for Jackson Township Council.
- Opponent Chris Pollak gained national attention as New York’s real-life “Dark Guardian.”
- Ciattarelli cites alignment on overdevelopment, affordable housing, and school funding as key reasons for his endorsement.
Ciattarelli pushes for Republican unity
Al Couceiro has called for community unity while Pollak has threatened to fight anyone and everything in New Jersey politics, a red flag for Ciattarelli.
In a campaign message released ahead of Election Day, Ciattarelli urged residents to rally behind the Republican slate, including Couceiro.
“Election Day is tomorrow, and your vote can make the difference,” Ciattarelli said. “We need change here in New Jersey. I’ll cut taxes, lower your electricity bill, support our police, and stop the overdevelopment of our suburbs. But I can’t do it alone. I need you to get out and vote for me and the entire Republican ticket, including Al Couceiro for Township Council.”
Shared focus on local control and growth
Ciattarelli emphasized that his support for Couceiro stems from shared views on state housing mandates, overdevelopment, and school funding. Both men have been vocal about limiting state interference in municipal planning and preserving the township’s suburban character.
Pollak’s past as the ‘Dark Guardian’ resurfaces
Before entering New Jersey politics, Pollak patrolled New York City streets dressed in black and red body armor, mask as the “Dark Guardian,” confronting potential criminals and promoting community safety. His unusual background brought national media attention, though in Jackson, it has become a political talking point and many are backing Pollak due to his anti-Jewish sentiment and campaign theme, aligned more with Democrats and the far left’s anti-Jewish campaign undertones.
