EXCLUSIVE – SADDLE BROOK, N.J. – GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made waves far from his Ohio home on Wednesday night by backing fellow Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s tightly contested gubernatorial race. As both Ramaswamy and Ciattarelli addressed a diner buzzing with supporters, their collaboration could translate to significant gains—not just for New Jersey, but for Ramaswamy’s own campaign in Ohio as well.
New Jersey and Virginia are the only states holding gubernatorial elections in the year following a presidential race. These contests are seen as critical measuring sticks for party strength, especially ahead of the midterms. In this case, the races are framed as indicators of support for former President Trump’s ongoing influence.
Ramaswamy emphasized the stakes of the upcoming elections. “If we win in New Jersey and Virginia, we set the table for even bigger victories in states like Ohio next year,” he told Fox News Digital. His visit to New Jersey comes against the backdrop of polls that show Ciattarelli closing in on Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill. Ramaswamy’s presence might rally low-propensity voters—those who typically refrain from voting in off-year elections.
At the event, Ramaswamy rallied the crowd, declaring, “If you want to bring down costs in this state, back Jack. If you want to make New Jersey great again, back Jack.” His impassioned plea reflects a broader narrative of change that Ciattarelli’s campaign aims to project.
The stakes are especially high this year with less than three weeks until the election. Ramaswamy is laser-focused on Ohio while also assisting fellow Republicans. “We’re gonna do our part in Ohio, and that’s my next step for how we save the country,” he said, displaying a mix of ambition and allegiance to his party.
Ciattarelli’s campaign stands to benefit from Trump’s tele-rallies, even if the former president himself is not on the ballot. Ciattarelli recognizes the value of this support, noting that many New Jersey residents appreciate Trump’s actions during his presidency. “There’s a whole lot of people across the state of New Jersey that are pleased with the job the president’s doing,” he stated, citing Trump’s policies that resonate with New Jersey voters.
Democratic nominee Sherrill challenged Ciattarelli on his alignment with Trump, pointing out, “The president himself called Jack 100% MAGA.” This highlights the ongoing tension in the race, with Democrats seeking to paint Ciattarelli as a Trump loyalist while he positions himself as a candidate focused on New Jersey’s issues.
Despite the hurdles, Republicans have shown resilience in gubernatorial races, claiming five victories in the last ten elections. Trump’s improved performance in New Jersey during the 2020 presidential election further tightens the competitive landscape, losing by just six points compared to a sixteen-point deficit four years prior.
Ciattarelli expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s support, indicating ongoing communication with the White House about potential assistance. “We’re in constant communication with the White House about different ways they can help,” he explained.
However, the Democratic National Committee painted Ciattarelli’s reliance on Trump as a sign of desperation, suggesting it underscores a divide between party affiliations and local needs. This contention could play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment as Election Day draws closer.
As the campaign unfolds, both Ramaswamy’s visit and Ciattarelli’s strategy reveal the intricacies of New Jersey’s political landscape—one where national and local issues intersect in decisive ways.
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