Jack Ciattarelli says hidden GOP surge in play as race tightens in New Jersey
Freehold, NJ – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli says New Jersey is on the verge of a political shift unseen in decades, arguing that traditional polls are missing a groundswell of support building across the state.
Speaking at a campaign event Friday, Ciattarelli described what he called “a tidal wave of energy” behind his campaign, dismissing recent polling that shows Democrats leading.
BIG NEWS: NJ Governor candidate Jack Ciattarelli says a never-before-seen tidal wave of support and energy is building in New Jersey and the polls are ignoring it.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 10, 2025
New Jersey is going red ?
“There is a shift on the ground, guys, and I have to tell you, your poll is an… pic. /YIyTo5yOmF
“There is a shift on the ground, guys, and I have to tell you, your poll is an outlier,” Ciattarelli said. “There’s a number of polls that have this as a dead heat.”
The former assemblyman, who narrowly lost the 2021 governor’s race, insisted that Republican voters are being undercounted. He said momentum is spreading through towns and suburbs long considered Democratic strongholds.
Claims of momentum despite polling gaps
“Republicans traditionally under poll in New Jersey,” Ciattarelli said. “There’s energy everywhere I go. And last night we picked up another very significant endorsement from another Democratic mayor.”
His campaign has focused heavily on issues like affordability, education policy, and what he calls “restoring balance” to state government. Ciattarelli said his message is resonating with voters frustrated by taxes and economic pressures.
Attacks on opponent’s record
The GOP contender also criticized his Democratic opponent, saying her campaign “is based on a stack of lies, her disdain for Donald Trump, and that she can fly a helicopter.” Ciattarelli added, “None of that is going to fix New Jersey.”
Political analysts note that while New Jersey has leaned blue in statewide races for decades, Republicans have recently gained traction in local contests, suggesting a more competitive landscape heading into November.
Growing enthusiasm on campaign trail
Ciattarelli has been drawing larger crowds at rallies and town halls, emphasizing a message of bipartisan reform while asserting that voter enthusiasm is being underestimated by mainstream polling.
His campaign hopes that high turnout among Republican and unaffiliated voters could tip the scales in what he calls “a race that’s far closer than the political establishment wants to admit.”
