ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — North Jersey’s self-proclaimed “Trumpy Mayor,” Mario Kranjac, is positioning himself as the alternative for MAGA-aligned conservatives after President Donald Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, triggering backlash from rival Bill Spadea’s camp.
Kranjac, a former Englewood Cliffs mayor, acknowledged Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, calling it a “boost” for the longtime candidate. But he made clear he’s not dropping out of the race, and said he’s campaigning to earn a second endorsement from Trump himself.
“The President has often been willing to endorse more than one viable candidate in a race,” Kranjac said. “Our movement is clearly the only other credible option.”
Spadea’s campaign responded to Trump’s endorsement with a series of statements that criticized the former president’s decision, labeling it a “betrayal” and raising doubts about Trump’s judgment. Kranjac condemned the response, calling it disrespectful and politically reckless.
“The Spadea campaign is over,” said Kranjac. “He should withdraw from the race, apologize to the President, and return the money he took from taxpayers and senior citizens who thought he was genuinely pro-Trump.”
Kranjac aligns with Trump, launches statewide outreach
Kranjac emphasized the need for candidates to earn Trump’s backing rather than assume it, accusing Spadea of exploiting Trump’s image for personal gain. He drew a parallel between his own political journey and Trump’s, referencing legal and political battles during his time as mayor.
“No one fought harder than President Trump to break into politics and become the most consequential American since Lincoln,” Kranjac said. “I respect that and I respect him.”
To build momentum, Kranjac is launching a statewide series of town halls, beginning Tuesday night at the VFW in Fairfield, Essex County. A second event is scheduled for Wednesday at Kelly’s in Neptune. His campaign is promoting the full schedule on social media.
Kranjac, a self-described political outsider and Trump loyalist, is running on a platform focused on reform and restoring conservative principles in New Jersey government. He was elected in 2016 as the first Republican mayor of Englewood Cliffs in more than four decades.
As Trump reshapes the GOP primary with his endorsement, Kranjac is staking his claim as the campaign’s MAGA-aligned contender.
