Jackson Republicans back Ciattarelli

Jackson Township Republicans backed former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli for the Ocean County GOP line Thursday.

“Jack Ciattarelli has the character and knowledge we need to lead us forward in New Jersey,” Jackson GOP Municipal Committee Chairwoman Clara Glory said. “Jack has stood with Jackson’s Republican leadership and supported our team. I am proud to support him for Governor and I am proud that Jackson Republicans are united behind him.”

The endorsement is the latest in a string that has left Ciattarelli a clear frontrunner for the Republican nod to take on Gov. Phil Murphy, who is without a credible primary challenger.

County leaders began aligning behind Ciattarelli earlier this month after former State Republican Chairman Doug Steinhardt dropped his gubernatorial bid less than a week after supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.

“Jack Ciattarelli has demonstrated that he has what it takes to provide competent leadership for the State of New Jersey,” Jackson Republican Club President Todd Porter said. “Through his private business success to his leadership in local, county and state government, Jack has stood for excellence and delivered results. We need Jack’s leadership and know how to clean up the numerous missteps of the Murphy Administration that have cost New Jersey residents lives and livelihoods.”

The Somerset native isn’t without primary opponents. He faces challenges from former Somerset County Freeholder Brian Levine, businessman Joseph Rudy Rullo and perennial candidate Hirsh Singh.

“I am grateful for the support of so many proud Republicans in Jackson,”Ciattarelli said. “Jackson residents know first-hand the damage that Democrat mandates, neglect and taxes cause of our quality of life in New Jersey. Together, we can fixed what is broken in Trenton and deliver smaller, better and more affordable government services to the people of our great state.”