Jack Ciattarelli, GOP frontrunner for governor, notches Donald Trump's endorsement
Ciattarelli, a one-time harsh Trump critic who once derided Trump as a 'charlatan," had been locked in a fierce competition for Trump's blessing with his chief rival, the former right-wing radio host Bill Spadea from Princeton.
'Jack Ciattarelli is a terrific America First Candidate, NEW JERSEY!' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. 'Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!). He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Jersey and, as your next Governor, Jack Ciattarelli will work closely with me and the Trump Administration to advance our America First Agenda.'
The move will cement Ciatarelli's standing as the putative nominee. He maintained a double digit lead in a recent Rutgers University-Eagleton Institute poll over Spadea. State Sen. Jon Bramnick of Union County, notched a distant third place.
Charlie Stile: Ronald Reagan welcomed immigrants. GOP candidates for NJ governor? Not so much
Spadea had ardently embraced Trump's 'America First' agenda on his former radio Trenton area radio show, and even succeeded in getting Trump to call in to his show last year, where the two men lavished praise on each other. And while Ciattarelli has expressed a more measured support for Trump's policies.
But by endorsing Ciattarelli, Trump had sided with the clear favorite to win the June 10 primary. And his endorsement Monday has all but ensured it.
'Truly humbled and honored to receive President Trump's very strong endorsement today," Ciattarelli wrote on X, the social media platform. 'It's time to unite our party, win big in November, and make New Jersey affordable and safe again. When I'm governor, we will.'
Charlie Stile is a veteran New Jersey political columnist. For unlimited access to his unique insights into New Jersey's political power structure and his powerful watchdog work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: stile@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Donald Trump endorses Jack Ciattarelli for NJ governor
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