Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for governor of New Jersey, is intensifying his campaign efforts as the state approaches the October 31, 2025 election date. With polls indicating a tightening race against Democratic challenger Mikie Sherrill, Ciattarelli has enlisted the support of Florida Representative Byron Donalds, a prominent figure aligned with former President Donald Trump. The duo made a series of stops at diners in Linden, New Jersey, aiming to galvanize Republican voters just days before early voting begins on October 24.
During their campaign swing, Ciattarelli expressed optimism about the race. He emphasized, “Early voting starts this Saturday. We turn out, we win. Let’s finish strong.” His campaign is buoyed by recent public opinion polls suggesting he is closing the gap with Sherrill, who is currently serving her second term in the House of Representatives.
Ciattarelli’s Third Attempt for Governorship
This marks Ciattarelli’s third consecutive bid for the governorship, having come close to defeating incumbent Governor Phil Murphy in the last election. “Because of the closeness of that race in ’21, people are paying closer attention this time around,” he remarked.
Despite New Jersey’s Democratic majority, recent polling from organizations such as Fox News, Quinnipiac University, and Rutgers-Eagleton indicates a significant shift, with Ciattarelli gaining momentum. He noted that endorsements from Democratic mayors across the state signal a desire for change among voters.
Donalds, who is preparing for his own gubernatorial campaign in Florida, praised Ciattarelli’s efforts, stating, “Jack’s been running a great campaign. It’s about winning. We got to help everybody get across the line.” His presence is part of a broader strategy to energize the Republican base, particularly among Trump supporters, as historical data shows that many did not participate in the previous election cycle.
A Competitive Landscape
Democrats are keenly aware of the competitive nature of this election. They criticized Ciattarelli for aligning himself with figures like Donalds, who has faced scrutiny for his positions on healthcare and abortion. New Jersey Democratic State Committee spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki asserted, “Jack Ciattarelli is ramping up his outreach to the furthest MAGA fringes… tells you everything you need to know about why he couldn’t be more wrong for New Jersey.”
The political landscape in New Jersey has seen fluctuations in party dominance. While traditionally a Democratic stronghold, the state has produced Republican governors in five of the last ten elections. The upcoming election is viewed not only as a local contest but also as a potential referendum on Trump’s influence in the region.
With the election fast approaching, Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama, are scheduled to rally support for Sherrill, further heightening the stakes. Ciattarelli’s campaign team has sought to frame these efforts as indicative of Democratic panic, with strategist Chris Russell arguing, “At this point, we expect them to import anyone they think can excite Democrats because Mikie Sherrill excites no one.”
As the final days of the campaign unfold, both candidates are mobilizing their resources to secure votes in a state that has not favored a Republican candidate for three consecutive gubernatorial elections in over fifty years. The outcome on October 31 will be closely watched, not only for its immediate implications but also as a precursor to the larger political battles anticipated in the coming year.
