Ciattarelli Claims Momentum in Third Bid for New Jersey Governor, Cites Polls and Voter Enthusiasm

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli expressed confidence in his third campaign for New Jersey governor, highlighting stronger internal polls, increased voter enthusiasm, and a shifting political landscape. Speaking after a rally at the Spring Lake Manor on Thursday, the former state assemblyman stated his campaign has momentum ahead of Election Day.

Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, emphasized that this race differs from previous ones as he is not challenging an incumbent. He attributed his current advantage to the end of pandemic restrictions and heightened voter engagement following his strong performance four years ago. “The closeness of my race in ’21 was a real eye-opener,” he said. “There’s more energy now because people know we can win.”

Internal polling, according to Ciattarelli, shows improved results compared to 2021, with a record number of Republicans returning mail ballots and matching Democrats in early voting turnout. He asserted that if his performance on Election Day aligns with current projections, he would secure victory. “We’re right where we need to be,” he told supporters.

Democrat candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill has garnered high-profile backing, including former President Barack Obama, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. However, Ciattarelli dismissed the influence of these figures, stating the race will hinge on the candidates themselves. “She could bring in the ghost of FDR. It’s not going to matter,” he said.

While Democrats argue national politics may disadvantage Republicans, Ciattarelli contended that voters are focused on state-specific issues. “The motivating factor here is the failure of the current administration,” he claimed. Polls show Sherrill holding a narrow 3.6-point lead, though Ciattarelli noted surveys underestimated his support by about 5 points in 2021.

President Donald Trump has not campaigned in person for Ciattarelli but participated in a tele-rally in his support. Sherrill has frequently invoked Trump on the trail, linking her opponent to the former president. Ciattarelli rejected this strategy, instead crediting Trump for policies benefiting New Jersey, including opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which raised state and local tax deductions.

Trump has urged New Jersey voters to back Ciattarelli, labeling Sherrill a “fake and corrupt radical left Democrat” who would plunge the state into a “death spiral.”