TRENTON, N.J. — Republican primary election loser Bill Spadea has still not conceded his landslide loss to Jack Ciattarelli in the race for the GOP nomination for governor and is refusing to endorse the party’s nominee ahead of the November general election.
In a message to supporters following Election Night, Spadea thanked backers for their work, money, and friendships formed throughout the campaign but stopped short of acknowledging the outcome or offering support to Ciattarelli.
It’s Deja Vu all over again.
Instead, he urged followers not to vote unless the candidate meets their standards. This is how Spadea reacted in 2021, which many attributed to Spadea’s radio show, where he urged conservative voters to sit it out, not knowing at the time, Spadea was plotting for a run in 2025.
“Regardless of who you decide to vote for… make ’em earn it,” Spadea said, repeating a sentiment he voiced during his remarks on primary night.
The move echoes Spadea’s actions in 2021, when he also declined to support Ciattarelli in his bid against incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy. Many GOP insiders blamed that refusal for dampened Republican turnout in the general election, where Murphy narrowly secured a second term.
Spadea has been blamed for provoking that low turnout through his job as a morning talk show host on NJ 101.5.
Jack Ciattarelli said of Spadea’s online musings, “I don’t pay much attention to what Bill Spadea says.”
Spadea’s campaign focused on issues including parental rights, opposition to COVID-era mandates, and reducing government oversight. Despite strong grassroots enthusiasm, he was defeated by a wide margin, one of the biggest losses on record in New Jersey.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill currently leads Ciattarelli by a narrow margin in the latest public poll. Spadea’s cult-like followers are expected to follow the commands of their leader as they did in 2021.
He hinted at future political plans, telling supporters to “stay tuned” for upcoming announcements.
Many on X lashed out at Spadea for acting childish ahead of an important election for New Jersey.
