TOMS RIVER, N.J. — New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea opened the final primary debate by criticizing President Donald Trump for endorsing his opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, calling the move misguided and based solely on internal campaign polling.
“You are going to hear, I’m sure, of a certain endorsement that happened last week, a lot, perhaps some bragging, and a little gloating,” Spadea said during his opening statement. “Let me be clear, the President endorsed a poll. A poll that was conducted and paid for by Jack’s campaign. The president did not endorse a plan. The president did not endorse a set of principles.”
Spadea was referring to a poll conducted by Republican pollster Adam Geller, which showed Ciattarelli leading Spadea by nearly 20 points. The poll, according to Spadea, played a key role in Trump’s decision to publicly back Ciattarelli.
He has repeatedly attacked Ciattarelli as too moderate and is now using Trump’s endorsement as a further wedge, framing it as a mistake based on manipulated data.
Michael Flynn, Jr., son of retired General Michael Flynn, who Spadea hosted last weekend at the Seaside Park boardwalk in front of about 100 supporters said President Trump was paid to endorse Ciattarelli.
George Gilmore, a longtime GOP and convicted felon pardoned by President Trump, serves as Spadea’s strategist and top adviser, insisted that Spadea remains competitive heading into June’s primary despite the endorsement. Gilmore has previously stated that only Assemblyman John Bramnick, not Spadea, could beat Democrats in a general election.
Trump endorsement sparks GOP friction
Trump endorsed Ciattarelli last week, calling him “a fighter” and praising his chances in the general election. The president’s backing is considered influential among New Jersey Republicans, particularly in more conservative strongholds.
The endorsement has drawn sharp reactions across GOP circles. Spadea, a former radio host, has consistently aligned himself with the MAGA wing of the party but now finds himself on the receiving end of Trump’s snub.
The GOP primary, scheduled for June 4, will determine who faces the Democratic nominee in November.
Spadea’s camp has intensified its messaging in recent weeks, framing the race as a contest between grassroots conservatism and establishment influence, although Spadea’s campaign is run by one of New Jersey’s most notorious deep state insiders, Gilmore.
