In big news for the upcoming election, a National Research poll shows Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli trailing Democrat Mikie Sherrill only 42% to 45% in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, which means he’s within the 4% margin of error. Only 12% of voters are undecided, and the race is neck-and-neck in the historically blue state.
For context, in 2021, Ciattarelli narrowly lost to Governor Phil Murphy despite polls predicting a much wider defeat. New Jersey’s red drift was proven again in 2024, with Trump closing the presidential vote gap. Less than 33% of citizens think the state is on the “right track,” indicating that most people are dissatisfied with how the Democrats are managing the state.
Adding weight to Ciattarelli’s success, a prominent conservative influencer said, “🚨 JUST IN: Powerful and influential labor union endorses Trump-backed JACK CIATTARELLI for Governor of NEW JERSEY. This is a big deal. They endorsed a Democrat last time. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 will be able to provide Ciattarelli campaign activists and funds. FLIP NJ RED!”
In the comments under his post, conservatives expressed their hopes that New Jersey would flip red. One such comment read, “This is huge. I hope we see more unions coming out for Republican candidates. My husband’s union for the first time endorsed nobody in November. Probably because they know most of their members supported Trump. In the past, they always endorse the Democrats.”
Connecting this win with Trump’s astounding record, one user said, “Let’s face it. @POTUS Trump is protecting jobs all around. Trump is looking out for Main Street they are a top priority along w/ National Security by doing mass deportation. Wall Street can handle itself. Americans come first. College and High School kids can work in the fields.”
Building on this point, another user noted, “This endorsement is a significant boost for Jack Ciattarelli! It shows that even unions can see the value in supporting Trump-backed candidates, unlike some on the left.”
Pointing out the huge problem for the DNC, one commentator said, “The Dems have lost the youth, minorities, and now labor, WHO DO THEY STILL HAVE?” Agreeing, one woman stated, “I’m feeling like the energy is moving to a Republican victory in New Jersey.”
"*" indicates required fields
Taking a more cautious tone, one commentator noted, “It is only the governor, not the entire state. Let’s not get carried away. Recall that Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, the bluest state in the nation, and communist Vermont currently has a Republican governor.”
Ciattarelli has made no secret of his strong allegiance to Trump. In a recent post to social media, he endorsed Trump’s strikes on Iran saying, “President Trump’s decision to destroy Iran’s nuclear program was the right move. A nuclear Iran would be a grave threat to Israel, and could further destabilize the Middle East. God bless our American military personnel for their skill and courage in carrying out this mission.”
In the comments under his post, conservatives thanked him for his principled stand. One such comment declared, “Thank you Jack! Stay Strong because NJ needs true patriots in charge! our Commander in Chief is who we all voted in for such a time as this!”