Trump Backs Ciattarelli; Criticizes NJ’s Leadership

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    In Trenton, New Jersey, on Monday, former President Donald Trump urged New Jersey voters to back Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the upcoming governor’s race primary, as early in-person voting begins on Tuesday. The former president believes that New Jersey is primed for a political shift after years under Democratic governance.

    Trump, who owns several golf clubs in the state and often visits his Bedminster property, publicly endorsed Ciattarelli last month. During a ten-minute telephone rally on Monday, Trump, speaking highly of Ciattarelli, emphasized the need for change, calling into question New Jersey’s current status as a “high-tax, high-crime sanctuary state.”

    According to the former president, New Jersey citizens are poised to “break free from the blue nightmare” by supporting a candidate ready to instigate positive change. Trump’s call was reminiscent of appeals he made to voters during the 2024 presidential election.

    Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker who has transformed from a critic to a staunch supporter of Trump, has mapped out several plans should he become governor. His first executive order, he claims, would abolish any policies that provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. This comes as the current attorney general directs law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration officers in civil matters.

    Though the term “sanctuary city” lacks a legal definition, these policies typically involve limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

    Ciattarelli also mentioned that under his administration, the appointed attorney general wouldn’t engage in suing the White House. New Jersey’s current attorney general has been active in opposing Trump’s policies, including contesting his order to end birthright citizenship.

    Currently, Ciattarelli faces competition from several candidates, including former radio host Bill Spadea, state Senator Jon Bramnick, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and southern New Jersey contractor Justin Barbera. Early in-person voting opens on Tuesday and continues until Sunday, with the primary election day set for June 10. Since late April, voters have been submitting mail-in ballots.

    Even as the primary is underway, Ciattarelli hinted at potential criticisms against whichever Democratic candidate he may face if nominated, pointing out the perceived failures during the Democrats’ eight years of holding the governorship and their long-term power in the state legislature.

    The Democratic contenders for governor remain undecided, with a six-way race involving Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill; Mayors Ras Baraka of Newark and Steven Fulop of Jersey City; former state Senate President Steve Sweeney; and teachers’ union president Sean Spiller.

    While New Jersey leans Democratic in presidential and Senate elections and holds a voter registration advantage of approximately 800,000, independents represent a sizable voting bloc. Historically, New Jersey’s governorship has alternated between Democratic and Republican leadership, reflecting the state’s political diversity.