WILDWOOD, NJ – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli fired up a packed crowd at Seaport Pier on Saturday, delivering one of his most energetic campaign rallies yet as the race for governor heads into its final weeks.
Before a sea of waving signs and cheering supporters, Ciattarelli declared that “New Jersey is ready for change,” framing the event as a turning point for his campaign.
The boardwalk crowd filled the pier and surrounding area, with chants of “Save our state!” echoing over the Atlantic breeze.
“What an unforgettable day in Wildwood! The Seaport Pier was absolutely packed — and the message couldn’t be clearer: New Jersey is ready for change! You could feel the energy, the passion, the love for our state in the air. We’re done with the overdevelopment, the high taxes, the broken schools, and all the nonsense. It’s time to save our state, protect our Shore, support our police, and get New Jersey back on track. 24 days to go — let’s bring it home, New Jersey,” Ciattarelli said.
Ciattarelli’s message of reform and revival
Ciattarelli told supporters it’s time to “protect our Shore, support our police, and get New Jersey back on track,” calling out what he described as years of mismanagement, high taxes, and “broken schools.” The candidate’s remarks emphasized pocketbook issues and local pride, key themes that have defined his campaign since the primary.
The Wildwood rally, one of his largest to date of the campaign, showcased both the scale of his grassroots support and the intensity of voter frustration across the state’s southern shore communities.
Energy builds as election nears
With only 24 days left before Election Day, Ciattarelli’s team is leaning on a momentum strategy — energizing crowds in coastal towns, small cities, and suburban counties where turnout could prove decisive.
Campaign aides described the Wildwood turnout as a “home run,” marking a visible boost for the GOP hopeful as polls show a tightening race against Democrat Mikie Sherrill.
Shore spotlight for campaign season
The rally’s seaside setting added symbolism to Ciattarelli’s remarks about protecting the Jersey Shore from overdevelopment and rising costs. Supporters in attendance waved “Bring it home, New Jersey” signs as the candidate closed his speech with a call to “fight for every family, every small business, and every corner of our state.”