The New Jersey governor’s race presents President Donald Trump with an opportunity to influence a major GOP primary since returning to office. Key candidates, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and radio host Bill Spadea, are vying for Trump’s endorsement, having met with him at his Bedminster golf club. The primary on June 10 has become a contest over who aligns closest with Trump, with GOP strategist Jeanette Hoffman noting that loyalty to the former president is a pivotal issue.
Trump’s presence is felt more than ever in New Jersey, where he notably increased his margin in the 2024 election, signaling potential strength for the GOP in upcoming races. Despite both candidates claiming to have Trump’s support, they have not communicated with him since their meeting. Spadea has released an ad featuring Trump’s praise while criticizing Ciattarelli’s past comments about Trump, who Ciattarelli claims has seen extensive criticism from many party members.
Additionally, other candidates like former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and state Senator Jon Bramnick are also attempting to connect with Trump’s base. Kranjac, dubbed a “forever Trumper,” seeks to benefit from Trump’s influence, while Bramnick takes a more moderate stance, aware that his alignment with the former president may be polarizing.
As the campaign progresses, Ciattarelli emphasizes his potential to win the general election, relying on Trump’s desire to back viable candidates. Meanwhile, Spadea argues his appeal to disillusioned Democrats, underscoring that the GOP can reclaim the governor’s office based on recent electoral trends. Following a close 2021 gubernatorial election, New Jersey Republicans are optimistic about their chances in the upcoming race, sensing a shift in voter sentiment away from the Democrats.
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