Who Is Jack Ciattarelli? The Man Backed by Trump to Lead New Jersey

If you’ve been following New Jersey politics, the name Jack Ciattarelli is one you’re likely seeing more and more. With former President Donald Trump now backing him for the 2025 governor’s race, Ciattarelli has officially become the front-runner in the GOP primary.

But who is Jack Ciattarelli, and why is he suddenly in the spotlight again? Let’s take a closer look at his journey, his platform, and what makes him a serious contender to be New Jersey’s next governor.

Born and Raised in the Garden State

Jack Ciattarelli isn’t new to New Jersey. He was born in Somerville in 1961, raised in Raritan, and has lived in the state his entire life. He’s deeply rooted in the local community, and his political start reflects that.

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Ciattarelli holds both a bachelor’s and MBA from Seton Hall University, which shows his early interest in business and leadership. Before jumping into statewide politics, he served on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, a position that gave him insight into how local government works.

From Assemblyman to Gubernatorial Candidate

Jack served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2011 to 2018, where he built a reputation as a thoughtful, policy-focused Republican. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, but he knew the numbers and wasn’t afraid to push for budget reform.

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He ran for governor twice before. In 2017, he lost the GOP primary. But in 2021, he came within a few points of unseating Governor Phil Murphy, surprising many political analysts. That narrow loss proved that Ciattarelli had what it takes to compete in a deep-blue state.

A Platform Focused on Fiscal Reform and Affordability

So, what does Jack Ciattarelli stand for?

He’s running on a message that’s clear and focused: make New Jersey more affordable. His campaign is centered around lowering taxes, trimming government waste, and reforming public education.

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Jack talks often about fiscal responsibility and supporting small businesses, something he knows firsthand as a former business owner. He’s also pushing for school choice and cutting back on what he sees as overregulation in the state’s education system.

In a state where cost of living is a constant concern, this message is hitting home for a lot of voters — especially independents and moderate Democrats.

Trump’s Endorsement Changes the Game

The biggest news for Ciattarelli this week? Donald Trump endorsed him.

Trump posted on Truth Social, calling him a “terrific America First Candidate” who has “gone ALL IN” on the MAGA agenda. For GOP voters, especially the base, this changes everything.

It gives Ciattarelli a huge edge over primary rivals like Bill Spadea, a conservative radio host, and Jon Bramnick, a state senator known for criticizing Trump. With Trump’s backing, Jack becomes the clear front-runner for the June 10 Republican primary.

The Challenge of Running in a Blue State

That Trump endorsement is a double-edged sword, though. While it helps Ciattarelli with Republican voters, it may complicate his path in November’s general election.

New Jersey is still a Democratic-leaning state, with over 800,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans. That said, Trump narrowed the gap in 2024, losing by just six points compared to sixteen in 2020.

Combine that with frustration over high taxes, housing costs, and state services, and suddenly the GOP sees a real opening. Republicans haven’t held the governor’s office since 2018, but this year could be different.

What’s Next for Ciattarelli?

The Republican primary is June 10, and unless something major shifts, Ciattarelli is expected to win it. From there, it’ll be a long summer and fall campaign leading up to November’s gubernatorial election.

Democrats will likely try to paint him as too closely aligned with Trump, while Ciattarelli will push his message of affordability and responsible leadership.

He’s already shown he can get close. This time, with national backing and a tighter voter landscape, he might just break through.