Trump makes endorsement in new jersey race for governor

BEDMINSTER, N.J. — President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for governor of New Jersey, calling him a “terrific America First Candidate” in a lengthy social media post.

Trump praised Ciattarelli’s alignment with his agenda, stating that the former state assemblyman “has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!)” with the Make America Great Again movement.

The endorsement marks a significant development in the GOP gubernatorial primary, positioning Ciattarelli as the frontrunner among Trump-aligned voters in the state.

Jack Ciattarelli is a terrific America First Candidate running to be the next Governor of a State that I love, NEW JERSEY!

Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!). He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Jersey and, as your next Governor, Jack Ciattarelli will work closely with me and the Trump Administration to advance our America First Agenda. Jack will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Restore our Economic Power, Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!!) Southern Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, Protect our Great Military/Vets, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE by helping to keep the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!), and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, which has not been attacked, amended, or changed while I was President. Also, Jack is the Republican Candidate who is best positioned to STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats and, most importantly, ensure a Big Victory in this Very Important Gubernatorial Election, an Election that is being closely watched by the entire World because, we are ending WOKE, and all of the other NONSENSE that goes along with it, AND NOBODY WANTS TO SEE IT COME BACK!

Jack Ciattarelli is a WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, ELECT JACK CIATTARELLI!

President Donald J. Trump

In the post, Trump listed policy priorities that he said Ciattarelli would champion as governor, including cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and securing the U.S.-Mexico border. “Jack will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Restore our Economic Power, [and] Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!) Southern Border,” Trump wrote.

The endorsement also emphasized Ciattarelli’s potential role in opposing progressive policies, referencing opposition to “WOKE” ideology and support for the Second Amendment. Trump said Ciattarelli is the candidate “best positioned to STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats.”

Ciattarelli responded to the endorsement on his own social media account, saying, “Truly humbled and honored to receive President Donald J. Trump’s very strong endorsement today.” He added, “It’s time to unite our party, win big in November, and make New Jersey affordable and safe again.”

“Now is the time for Republicans to unite around President Trump’s endorsed candidate – Jack Ciattarelli. President Trump said it best – Jack is the best candidate to ‘STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats’ and “ensure a Big victory,’” said Carlos Cruz, spokesman for Kitchen Table Conservatives. “The truth is, Bill Spadea’s consistent, repeated attacks against President Trump starting in 2021 did not go unnoticed, despite Spadea’s attempts at spin. We call on Spadea to do the right thing tonight – endorse Jack, drop out of the race, and return the millions in taxpayer provided matching funds propping up his failed campaign.”

Ciattarelli eyes November election with GOP momentum

The endorsement comes as the New Jersey Republican primary approaches and could help consolidate support among the state’s conservative base. Ciattarelli previously ran for governor in 2021, narrowly losing to incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy.

Trump’s message also signaled the president’s ongoing influence in down-ballot races, particularly in blue states like New Jersey where Republican candidates face significant voter registration disadvantages.

The post emphasized issues that have become central to Trump-aligned candidates nationwide, including inflation, energy costs, and immigration. Trump highlighted Ciattarelli’s commitment to “keep the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!).”

Ciattarelli, a former state legislator and business owner, has campaigned on themes of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and reducing the cost of living in New Jersey. His message has targeted both moderate Republicans and conservatives who support Trump’s platform.

With Trump’s endorsement, Ciattarelli now joins a growing list of candidates backed by the former president in gubernatorial contests across the country.

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