Trump backs Ciattarelli in New Jersey GOP primary, sparking fierce rivalry with Spadea ahead of early voting.

Trump Endorses Ciattarelli as Early Voting Begins

As early voting kicks off in New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary, President Donald Trump has firmly thrown his support behind Jack Ciattarelli, reshaping the race just one week before primary day. In a tele-rally on the eve of early voting, Trump called Ciattarelli “a true champion for the people” and praised his leadership record.

The endorsement, made two weeks earlier, has proven pivotal in a contest where multiple candidates had been vying for Trump’s favor. Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker and previous GOP nominee in 2021, is now the perceived front-runner in a race that also features conservative radio personality Bill Spadea and state Senator Jon Bramnick.

“The president’s doing very, very well in New Jersey,” Ciattarelli said after a campaign stop at Trump National Golf Club in Pine Hill. He emphasized that Trump’s policy moves, including pausing offshore wind projects and opposing New York congestion pricing, resonate deeply with local voters.

Rivalry With Spadea Intensifies

Spadea, however, voiced strong disappointment at the endorsement, claiming he had demonstrated consistent loyalty to Trump since 2015. “We absolutely wanted the president’s endorsement,” Spadea said, “but unfortunately, the president endorsed a poll and not a plan.”

Spadea, who describes himself as the “common-sense conservative,” has accused Ciattarelli of being disingenuous in his support for Trump. He pointed to Ciattarelli’s comments in 2021, where he stated that voter endorsement mattered more than Trump’s. “He has disrespected [Trump] for the better part of the last eight years,” Spadea asserted.

Despite the setback, Spadea said the campaign has gained momentum. “We had our two best days ever in low-dollar fundraising” immediately following Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, he said. His campaign is now reportedly knocking on over 3,000 doors per week, backed by energized volunteers.

Ciattarelli countered that Trump’s support reflects confidence in his electability. “The president wants to win,” he said, emphasizing his campaign’s financial strength and widespread support. “We’ve raised more money than the other five Republican candidates combined.”

Spadea, highlighting his broad media reach, argued that he has appeal beyond traditional Republican voters, claiming his audience includes Democrats and independents. He insisted he’s the only Republican candidate who can “pull in” a broader coalition.

The race has attracted national attention, particularly from the Democratic Governors Association, which has labeled it a “MAGA battle” and criticized what it describes as growing extremism in the GOP primary.

While New Jersey generally leans Democratic, Republicans have won six of the last eleven gubernatorial contests. Ciattarelli underscored that history, stating, “It’s not a blue state when it comes to governor races.”

Trump’s growing popularity in New Jersey also adds weight to Ciattarelli’s campaign. The president narrowed his loss margin in the state from 16 points in 2020 to just 6 points in the most recent election. He also held a major rally last year in Wildwood and frequently spends summers at his Bedminster golf club.

Looking ahead, Ciattarelli said he’s eager to campaign alongside Trump. “New Jerseyans are anxious to have him on the campaign trail with me,” he said. “I think we’re going to deliver a very loud and clear message that New Jersey’s going Republican this year.”