NJO Candidate Spotlight: Jack Ciattarelli
Jack Ciattarelli is the current front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor. He ran for governor two prior times, in 2017 and 2021. Professionally, he is a small business owner and a licensed CPA.
Like many future public servants, Jack started at the local level, running for a seat on the Raritan Borough Council and winning an uphill battle against an incumbent Democrat, knocking on all the doors in the town twice. Ciattarelli would later serve as a Somerset County Freeholder and as an Assemblyman. In 2017, instead of seeking re-election to the State Assembly, he opted to run for governor but was defeated by Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno in the primary. In 2021, Jack received the endorsement from all 21 county parties, which was the first time in 100 years that a Republican gubernatorial candidate received the endorsement from the entire party. Despite the enthusiastic support from New Jersey Republicans, he was defeated by Governor Phil Murphy by a very small margin.
Despite the close loss, he annouced his plan to run for governor once again in 2025 in his concession speech. Jack remained active ever since, swearing in new Republicans for local and county offices, speaking from large crowds at Lincoln Day Dinners to small crowds at local GOP functions, and making numerous diner stops all across the state. Campaigning in every county, Jack proved he is a campaign workhorse.
Earlier this month, Jack was endorsed by President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for governor. It was a huge endorsement for Jack and effectively put an end to the GOP primary.
One of Ciattarelli’s supporters is Jacqueline Tobacco, who serves as the Middletown Board of Education Vice President.
“Jack has been by my side in Trenton fighting for medical freedom during Covid, at a parental rights rally in Middletown, and he showed up to support at the courthouse when Gov. Murphy sued Middletown over Policy 5756,” she told NJO via text.
Tobacco continued, “Jack has solid policy plans to address the most crucial issues facing NJ right now- Education, Energy, and Economy. He supports law and order and has the endorsement of President Trump. There is no other choice to save NJ than Jack Ciattarelli!”
Will the third time be the charm for the former assemblyman? Jack may have the primary locked up, but the general will be much more contentious. His chief intra-party rival, Bill Spadea, is already hinting that he will not support Jack in the general, as he said on an X space. Some Spadea supporters have already said they will not vote for Jack if he is the nominee. Will Jack be able to win over some Spadea supporters to take the governor’s mansion? Or will Jack rely more on independents to get him across the finish line come November?
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