Jack Ciattarelli wins Republican primary for New Jersey governor, CBS News projects
Jack Ciattarelli has won the Republican primary election for New Jersey governor, CBS News projects.
This is his third bid for governor. He lost the 2017 Republican primary to then-Lt. Gov. Kim Gaudagno before winning the 2021 Republican primary. He ultimately lost to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy by only a few percentage points.
Murphy is term-limited and cannot run again this year. CBS News has projected Mikie Sherrill the winner of the Democratic primary.
The governor released a statement congratulating both winners and all of the candidates who ran in the primary.
"Over the next few months, as the general election ramps up, I know we will see a spirited campaign for Governor and all 80 Assembly seats. And I look forward to working with the winner of this November's election to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the next Governor," Murphy wrote. "For the next seven months, our Administration is going to spend every minute we have left running through the tape to continue building the stronger, fairer, and more affordable New Jersey that the people of our state deserve."
"Mikie Sherrill is Phil Murphy 2.0"
Ciattarelli spoke to his supporters Tuesday night after his projected win.
"We won because we talked about the issues that matter. The critical issues based in our state and my plan for a safer, more prosperous and affordable New Jersey," he said.
He thanked his supporters, including President Trump.
"And to our most well-known, part-time New Jersey resident who honored me with his endorsement and strong support, thank you President Donald J. Trump," Ciattarelli said.
He added he respected those who voted for other Republican candidates in the primary, but encouraged the party to unite for the general election.
"As a party, it's time for us to now speak directly to the people of New Jersey. To independents and unaffiliated voters who may have lost faith in both political parties and wonder whether their vote even matters anymore. To moderate Democrats who feel abandoned, alienated and ignored by an extreme and out-of-touch, ultra-liberal Democratic party in Trenton and Washington, D.C.," Ciattarelli said.
He continued to criticize the Democratic party and the current governor.
"Folks, the Democrats have controlled our state legislature here in New Jersey for 25 years, and for the last eight years, they, and the person they nominated tonight, have rubberstamped and enabled every extremist and costly idea Phil Murphy has put forth," Ciattarelli said. "Make no mistake. Mikie Sherrill is Phil Murphy 2.0. Make no mistake, a vote for Mikie Sherrill is a vote for four more years of Phil Murphy."
Ciattarelli later said, "Trust me, if this campaign were a drinking game and you took a shot every time Mikie Sherrill says 'Trump,' you're gonna be drunk off your ass every day ... between now and November 4th. But every time you hear her say Trump, I want you to know what it really means. What it really means is Mikie doesn't have a plan to fix New Jersey. It means she supports Phil Murphy's failed policies, and it means she can't run on her own record."
He referred to himself as "a Jersey guy who understands what people are up against every single day."
Ciattarelli also outlined his plans for change in the state, including lowering property taxes, freezing property taxes for seniors, stopping the construction of wind farms off the Jersey Shore, and ending sanctuary cities and New Jersey's status as a so-called sanctuary state.
"New Jersey, I truly believe the future of our state hangs in the balance. That is why over the next 146 days, I will go about this race the only way I know how – full speed, 100 percent, all gas, no brake," Ciattarelli said.
What to know about Jack Ciattarelli
Ciattarelli had been ahead in the polls on the GOP side leading up to the primaries. He also had the endorsement of President Trump, who wants to turn the Garden State red after losing it to Democrat Kamala Harris by just six points in the 2024 presidential election.
"New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show and really get in there and vote for somebody that's going to make things happen," Mr. Trump said in a recent tele-rally with Ciattarelli.
The former assemblyman has said he plans to seek a new school funding formula to cut property taxes and give seniors and first-time home buyers a break.
Ciattarelli beat out four other GOP candidates: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former radio and TV show host Bill Spadea, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and contractor Justin Barbera.
According to Ad Impact, this has been the most expensive contest ever in New Jersey with more than $88 million spent in the lead-up to the election.
More than 148,000 New Jersey residents voted early, and another 330,000 voters mailed in their ballots.
