In the competitive race for the New Jersey governor’s office, a notable influence may be coming from an unlikely part-time Bedminster resident famous for his business ventures by the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This figure is none other than former President Donald Trump, whose political clout could significantly sway the Republican primary this year.
Analysts suggest Trump’s involvement could be pivotal. The director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship, Ben Dworkin, expressed that Trump’s endorsement might either propel a candidate forward or hinder them, largely depending on who receives it. Such an endorsement, however, could complicate the dynamics in the general election in a predominantly Democratic-leaning state like New Jersey.
This complex political landscape might explain why Republican candidate and state Sen. Jon Bramnick has openly criticized Trump, particularly regarding his pardons associated with the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. In contrast, two other GOP contenders have shown interest in Trump’s endorsement, albeit quietly. Yet, Trump’s influence extends to what some believe could be a crucial test in one of only two gubernatorial races this year, alongside Virginia’s. Observers are keen to see if Trump’s leadership style will alienate or endear New Jersey’s voters come election time.
In New Jersey, where Democrats hold a strong position, Trump still tries to improve his standing among voters. Although he narrowed the vote gap from 2020 to 2024, his loss in the state shows Democrats maintain significant power. Recently, one of the five Republican candidates for governor, Ed Durr, withdrew from the race. Known for his unexpected victory against a high-profile Democrat in 2021, Durr’s decision to step aside was to support radio host and fellow Trump’s supporter Bill Spadea, hoping to stymie “never Trumpers” within their ranks.
The remaining contenders, including Spadea and Jack Ciattarelli, have oscillated in their stances towards Trump. Ciattarelli, who was the GOP’s nominee in the 2021 governor race, recently met with Trump. His campaign strategist remained tight-lipped about the specifics, though Ciattarelli is open to welcoming Trump’s backing. In the meantime, former Englewood Cliffs mayor Mario Kranjac emerged as a staunch Trump advocate claiming consistent support during Trump’s initial term.
Kranjac emphasizes that New Jersey needs a governor who stands unwavering in their convictions, aligning himself with Trump’s values. He reassures voters of his steadfast support for the former president, asserting there’ll be no wavering should political tides shift.
The challenge for Republicans lies in gauging Trump’s endorsement’s significance as it oscillates. His second term’s early duration saw a mix of alienation and strengthened loyalties among voters. Predictably, the value of this support is currently speculative, evolving in response to ongoing political developments.
Before Trump, New Jersey Republicans sometimes struck a fine balance between primary campaigning and general elections. While no Republican succeeded in securing a U.S. Senate seat over five decades, victories in gubernatorial elections were evident, attributed to candidates like Thomas Kean Sr., Christine Todd Whitman, and Chris Christie who won consecutive terms, differing from Trump’s more populist approach.
Despite Democrats enjoying superiority, some Republicans argue this dominance is waning. Ciattarelli’s strategist mentions notable GOP registration upticks, narrowing Democrats’ advantage from one million extra voters to about 834,000. He hints that Democrats might be overlooking the crucial takeaway from New Jersey’s 2024 election where Trump performed notably well.
Trump’s lingering political influence deeply impacts the Republican primary as illustrated by Durr, whose step back appeared strategic, emphasizing the broader GOP lesson from 2024. Despite Durr initially implying an endorsement to benefit Spadea, his campaign clarified his intention was not to overshadow Trump’s potential endorsement. His statement reflected how Trump remains a significant figure at play in New Jersey’s governor race.