Trump Endorses Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey Governor Race

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary, potentially reshaping the competitive race less than a month before voters head to the polls. Trump announced his support via social media on Monday, praising Ciattarelli as “a proven winner who will secure our borders, protect our suburbs, and restore New Jersey’s economic competitiveness,” according to Politico.

The endorsement arrives at a critical juncture in the primary campaign, with recent polls showing a tight race between Ciattarelli and his main challenger, State Senator Michael Testa. Republican voters will select their nominee on June 11 to face Democratic incumbent Governor Lisa Rodriguez in November’s general election.

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Strategic Timing of Endorsement

Trump’s decision to wade into the New Jersey primary represents a calculated political move with potential implications for both the primary and general election. The endorsement comes after weeks of behind-the-scenes efforts by Ciattarelli supporters to secure the former president’s backing.

“This endorsement delivers exactly what Ciattarelli needed at precisely the right moment,” explained Jennifer Wilson, political science professor at Rutgers University. “Primary voters are just beginning to focus on this race, and Trump’s stamp of approval provides a clear signal to his loyal supporters about where to direct their support.”

Sources close to the Trump team indicated that internal polling showing a competitive primary race factored into the timing of the announcement. According to Fox News, Trump’s political advisors concluded that his endorsement could prove decisive in a race where approximately 70% of likely Republican primary voters maintain favorable views of the former president.

Ciattarelli’s Evolution on Trump

The endorsement represents a significant development in Ciattarelli’s political positioning relative to Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Ciattarelli had been critical of Trump, calling him a “charlatan” unfit for office. However, he has gradually shifted his stance, expressing support for many Trump policies while maintaining some independence on state-specific issues.

“Jack has demonstrated his commitment to the America First agenda and understands the challenges facing New Jersey families,” Trump stated in his endorsement message. “He has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be your next Governor!”

Following the announcement, Ciattarelli expressed gratitude for Trump’s support while emphasizing his focus on New Jersey-specific issues. “I’m honored to have President Trump’s endorsement, and I look forward to bringing his successful economic and security policies to our state while addressing the unique challenges facing New Jersey,” Ciattarelli said in a statement.

Impact on Primary Contest

Political analysts suggest the endorsement creates significant challenges for Testa, who had positioned himself as the more Trump-aligned candidate in the race. Testa, who served as Trump’s New Jersey campaign co-chair in 2020, had frequently highlighted his connections to the former president’s circle.

“This effectively undercuts Testa’s core campaign message,” noted Robert Matthews, Republican strategist and former state party official. “His campaign has centered on being the true Trump candidate in this race, and now that narrative has been completely disrupted.”

Recent polling from the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University showed Ciattarelli with a narrow 42% to 38% lead over Testa among likely Republican primary voters, with 20% still undecided. Political observers believe Trump’s endorsement could significantly influence those undecided voters.

General Election Implications

While the endorsement strengthens Ciattarelli’s position in the primary, its impact on the general election remains uncertain in a state where Trump lost by 16 percentage points in 2020. New Jersey hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Chris Christie won reelection in 2013.

“For the general election, this endorsement is a double-edged sword,” explained Maria Sanchez, political analyst at the New Jersey Policy Perspective. “It helps consolidate Republican support but could motivate Democratic turnout in a state where Trump remains unpopular among independent and suburban voters.”

Governor Rodriguez’s campaign immediately seized on the endorsement, releasing a statement characterizing Ciattarelli as “another Trump Republican who will bring chaos and extremism to New Jersey.” The Democratic Governors Association similarly highlighted the endorsement in fundraising appeals, according to New Jersey Globe.

Policy Focuses of Ciattarelli Campaign

Ciattarelli has centered his campaign on property tax reform, business regulation reduction, and public safety issues. He has criticized Governor Rodriguez’s handling of the state budget, arguing that excessive spending has contributed to New Jersey’s high tax burden.

“New Jersey needs a governor who understands how to create jobs and make our state affordable again,” Ciattarelli said at a recent campaign event. “We’re losing population to lower-tax states because Trenton continues to ignore the fundamental economic challenges facing our residents and businesses.”

If elected, Ciattarelli has pledged to implement a comprehensive property tax reform plan, revise the school funding formula, and reduce business regulations. He has also emphasized public safety concerns, criticizing what he characterizes as lenient criminal justice policies implemented under the current administration.

Next Steps in Campaign

Following the endorsement, the Ciattarelli campaign announced plans for a rally featuring prominent Trump allies from the region. While Trump himself is not currently scheduled to appear in New Jersey, sources close to the campaign indicate discussions are underway about potential surrogate appearances before the primary.

“This race represents an important opportunity to advance the America First agenda in a blue state,” said Thomas Peterson, a Trump advisor familiar with the endorsement decision. “President Trump believes Jack has the right approach to address New Jersey’s economic challenges while standing strong on border security and public safety.”

With less than four weeks until the primary, both Ciattarelli and Testa have increased their advertising presence across the state. The race has become increasingly contentious, with both campaigns launching negative advertisements questioning each other’s conservative credentials.

New Jersey’s gubernatorial election is one of only two governor’s races in 2025, along with Virginia, making it a focus of national attention as both parties look for momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections.