As New Jersey Republicans prepare to cast their votes in Tuesday’s primary election on June 10, 2025, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli has emerged as the clear frontrunner, bolstered by strong polling numbers and a pivotal endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Recent polls indicate Ciattarelli is poised to secure the GOP nomination for governor, potentially sidelining talk radio host Bill Spadea’s campaign despite its pro-Trump messaging. This comes as Trump said on Saturday, “I have no idea who they are,” referring to Spadea’s commercials suggesting the president has endorsed the former AM/FM radio talk show host.
A May 11-13, Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey of likely Republican primary voters showed Ciattarelli leading with 44% support, far ahead of Spadea, who garnered 18%. State Senator Jon Bramnick trailed with 8%, while 23% of GOP voters remained undecided a month before the primary.
The poll underscores Ciattarelli’s dominance among the party’s base, with his lead reflecting both name recognition and strategic campaign momentum.
Further reinforcing Ciattarelli’s position, a SurveyUSA poll conducted May 28-30, 2025, reported his favorability ratings at 40%-36% among the broader electorate and an impressive 63%-19% among Trump voters, according to the New Jersey Globe.
While the SurveyUSA poll focused solely on Ciattarelli’s standing, these figures highlight his appeal, particularly among the GOP’s influential Trump-aligned wing.
President Trump’s endorsement on May 12,, has proven to be a game-changer. Trump, who enjoys a 90% favorability rating among New Jersey Republicans, doubled down on his support by headlining a virtual rally for Ciattarelli. Political analysts suggest this high-profile backing could sway a significant portion of the 23% undecided voters, who are likely to align with Trump’s choice.
“Trump’s endorsement is a powerful signal to GOP voters, especially those still on the fence,” a political analyst said of the results. “Ciattarelli’s already strong numbers are likely to grow as a result.”
For Spadea, whose campaign has leaned heavily on his pro-Trump credentials as a conservative radio host, the endorsement of Ciattarelli represents a significant blow.
Despite Spadea’s efforts to court the same MAGA base, Trump’s decision to back Ciattarelli may render Spadea’s strategy ineffective.
“Spadea’s campaign has been all-in on Trump’s support, but with the former president firmly in Ciattarelli’s corner, those efforts could be for naught,” the analyst said.
Ciattarelli, a seasoned politician who narrowly lost the 2021 gubernatorial race to incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy, has campaigned on a platform emphasizing economic growth, tax relief, and law enforcement support. His experience and moderate appeal have resonated with a broad swath of GOP voters, while Trump’s endorsement has solidified his standing among the party’s conservative core.
As the primary approaches, all eyes are on whether Ciattarelli can convert his polling lead and Trump’s support into a decisive victory.
With the undecided vote up for grabs and Spadea struggling to close the gap, Tuesday’s outcome could set the stage for a high-stakes general election rematch against Murphy or another Democratic contender.
