ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Mario M. Kranjac released his second web campaign ad Tuesday, reinforcing his positioning as the leading conservative alternative in the race and drawing sharp distinctions between himself and rivals Bill Spadea, Jon Bramnick, and Jack Ciattarelli.
Key Points
- Mario Kranjac released a new ad titled “The Only One,” highlighting his record as mayor of Englewood Cliffs.
- Kranjac criticized GOP rivals and said his experience sets him apart in the Republican primary field.
- He touted endorsements and claimed growing grassroots momentum following recent ballot challenges.
The new digital spot, “The Only One,” features Kranjac outlining his credentials and defending his record as mayor. He claims to be the only Republican candidate with executive experience and a record of fiscal reform, saying, “We had a DOGE before there was a DOGE,” in reference to early budget transparency and taxpayer support during his tenure.
Kranjac, a lawyer and CPA, says his background uniquely qualifies him to “deliver on all campaign promises,” asserting, “I’m the only candidate who has passed the bar in New York and New Jersey, run a law firm, and passed the CPA exam.”
Criticism of opponents and claims of momentum
In the press release accompanying the ad, Kranjac took aim at primary opponents, accusing Spadea of trying to remove him from the ballot and criticizing Bramnick and Ciattarelli for “saying nothing” during what he called “lawfare.” He described the trio’s records as “weakness and failure.”
Kranjac, dubbed “The Trumpy Mayor of Englewood Cliffs” by The Star-Ledger, also highlighted an endorsement from Ladies for America First, a conservative women’s group in New Jersey, claiming his campaign has gained traction among Republican voters seeking a “proven conservative.”
Anti-establishment tone continues
Kranjac compared himself to former President Donald Trump, stating that despite legal challenges and political opposition, he “kept fighting and [is] still fighting.” His campaign has framed him as a political outsider who has withstood attacks from both parties while pushing back against “corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse.”
In his first ad, “Medical Freedom,” Kranjac criticized COVID-19 policies, further aligning with the populist themes that have defined his campaign.
