New York Post backs Ciattarelli

The New York Post, one of the largest newspapers in the New York City metropolitan area and arguably the most conservative, endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli last night over Gov. Phil Murphy.

“Ciattarelli is a genuine Jersey businessman who’s cared about the state his whole life, also serving in the Legislature,” the paper wrote in an editorial that focused on taxes and small businesses. “He has a far better understanding of regular people’s troubles and of New Jersey’s true needs [than Murphy].”

“Stop the Murphy madness: Vote for Ciattarelli and common-sense governance,” it concluded.

Four years ago, the Post similarly backed then-Lieutenant Gov. Kim Guadagno over Murphy, whom the paper called a “spendthrift Democrat.” The paper generally endorses Republican and conservative candidates for office, including former President Donald Trump last October.

Murphy, however, maintains a clear lead in newspaper endorsements this year. He’s gotten the backing of the New York Daily News, most of the Gannett network, and – reluctantly – the Star-Ledger. The Jersey Journal, meanwhile, advised voters to skip the gubernatorial race entirely.