Trump appearing remotely at tele-rally for NJ gubernatorial candidate

President Trump will appear remotely at a tele-rally for New Jersey GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli on Monday, just over a week before voters chose their nominees in the state’s governor’s race. 

Trump endorsed Ciattarelli for the Republican nomination last month, further solidifying his status as the front-runner after polling had shown him with a clear lead over his other competitors. Ciattarelli officially announced Trump’s participation in the rally in a Sunday post on X after The New Jersey Globe reported on it earlier in the day. 

“We are going to win this race, Flip NJ Red, and deliver for the people of our state! Be sure to join us TOMORROW night for our tele-rally with PRESIDENT @realDonaldTrump by dialing 855-962-1280 at 7pm!” he said. 

Ciattarelli was the Republican nominee for governor in 2021, narrowly losing to outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy (D) by 3 points, almost pulling off an upset in the Democratic-leaning state. This time, he’s trying to pull off a win without an incumbent running for reelection. 

Ciattarelli previously was more critical of Trump but has gradually shifted to be more openly supportive of him. 

With Trump’s endorsement, a significant lead in polling and fundraising advantages, observers expect Ciattarelli to easily win the Republican nomination for governor again next week. The most recent Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey showed him ahead with 44 percent, compared to 18 percent for former radio talk show host Bill Spadea and 8 percent for state Sen. Jon Bramnick. 

The Democratic field is more open, though Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) has taken more of a lead in recent polls over her other top opponents like Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.