Vice President JD Vance has voiced strong criticism of New Jersey’s leadership, calling it “crap leadership” and rallying support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. In a post on X, Vance stated, “Get out there and vote for Jack if you live in NJ.” His remarks highlight a growing concern among Republicans about the state’s direction.
Ciattarelli’s candidacy is significant as he seeks to challenge the long-standing dominance of Democratic leadership in New Jersey. The state has not had a Republican governor since Chris Christie’s tenure ended in 2018. Ciattarelli’s narrow defeat to current Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, by less than 100,000 votes, shows a competitive landscape that makes this election crucial. With Governor Murphy term-limited and set to leave office in January 2026, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both parties.
Vance’s comments come after former President Barack Obama’s recent campaign appearance with Ciattarelli’s opponent, Mikie Sherrill. During this event in Newark, Obama expressed optimism for Sherrill’s potential leadership, emphasizing the need for “a leader who’s going to help build a better, stronger, brighter future for New Jersey.” In contrast to Vance’s criticism of current leadership, Obama painted a picture of hope amidst the challenges faced by the country’s political climate.
Former President Trump has also weighed in, offering his full support to Ciattarelli. On Truth Social, Trump declared, “Jack will be a GREAT Governor, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement.” His assertion that “He will never let you down” reflects a broader Republican effort to energize the base and draw voters to Ciattarelli’s campaign.
The upcoming election has garnered national attention, making it a pivotal battle for Republicans aiming to flip a blue state. With results expected after 8 p.m. ET on Election Day, both sides of the political spectrum are bracing for what could be a tightly contested race.
In summary, Vance’s remarks about New Jersey’s leadership and the high-profile endorsements from Trump and Obama illustrate the competitive tensions surrounding the election. Ciattarelli stands at a critical juncture, seeking to capitalize on the dissatisfaction with current leadership while also contending with the momentum of statewide and national support for Sherrill. The outcome will provide insight into the electorate’s sentiment and whether a Republican resurgence in a predominantly blue state is possible.
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