TRENTON, NJ — As New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary approaches on June 10, 2025, candidates are increasingly aligning themselves with former President Donald Trump to secure the nomination in a state that, while traditionally Democratic in federal elections, has a history of electing Republican governors.
Leading the Republican field is Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and the GOP’s 2021 gubernatorial nominee. Ciattarelli has embraced Trump’s endorsement, which he received in mid-May. Trump announced his support via a Truth Social post, stating that Ciattarelli had gone “ALL IN” on the “Make America Great Again” agenda. In response, Ciattarelli expressed gratitude, pledging to unite the Republican Party and focus on making New Jersey more affordable and safe.
Ciattarelli’s campaign emphasizes issues such as tax relief, public safety, and opposition to New York’s congestion pricing plan. He has proposed a “reverse congestion pricing” toll on New York vehicles entering New Jersey, with the revenue intended to fund improvements to NJ Transit.
Challenging Ciattarelli is Bill Spadea, a former radio host and conservative activist. Spadea has positioned himself as a staunch Trump supporter, appealing to the GOP’s conservative base. He has criticized Ciattarelli for his past remarks about Trump, labeling him a “liar and a fraud” and questioning the sincerity of his recent alignment with the former president.
State Senator Jon Bramnick represents a more moderate faction within the Republican Party. Known for his criticism of Trump, Bramnick has expressed concerns about the former president’s influence on the GOP’s image, particularly following the events of January 6, 2021. Despite his moderate stance, Bramnick has supported certain Trump policies, such as ending sanctuary city protections.
The Republican primary also includes Mario Kranjac, former mayor of Englewood Cliffs, who has been described as a “Trumpy-Mayor” due to his strong support for Trump during his tenure. Kranjac’s campaign focuses on conservative values and aligning closely with Trump’s policies.
The primary election was rescheduled from June 3 to June 10 to accommodate the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, ensuring that observant Jews can participate in the election process. Governor Phil Murphy signed the legislation into law on December 31, 2024, following unanimous approval from both legislative chambers.
As the primary date nears, the Republican candidates’ alignment with Trump underscores the former president’s enduring influence within the party, even in states where Democrats have a stronghold in federal elections. The outcome of New Jersey’s gubernatorial primary will offer insights into the GOP’s direction and the role of Trump’s endorsement in shaping state-level races.
