Statement of gubernatorial candidates on Trump election

Candidates running for governor next year issued the following statement on the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States:

Former State Sen. Ed Durr

“If Donald Trump proved anything by winning this election it is that the people want a plain-spoken candidate who isn’t afraid to say what they mean. It also proved we are right on the issues.

“Parents don’t want their daughters competing against males or sharing locker rooms with boys. Voters care about life and want reasonable restrictions on abortion. Working men and women want to pay less in taxes and they want to be able afford to live where they choose.

“Trump’s victory also proves voters do not want left-wing extremism. Voters believe their elected officials should concentrate on affordability rather than banning plastic bags and straws. They want someone willing to roll up their sleeves and work to make life affordable. The underperformance of Democrats in New Jersey backs that up

“I congratulate President Trump on an outstanding victory and thank all Americans who voted Trump-Vance. I look forward to ramping up my gubernatorial campaign and pledge to continue to be the plain-spoken outsider who upset the political establishment three years ago.”

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli

“Congratulations to President Trump on his resounding victory last night across the country.

“Here in New Jersey, President Trump’s performance was the best for a Republican presidential nominee since 1992 – bringing with him Republican wins at the local & county level all across our state. Make no mistake, the gains are the direct result of working people frustrated with our state’s cost of living and encroaching crime. They’re also fed up with being told that they are bad people if they don’t support boys playing girls sports or age-inappropriate sex ed in our schools.

“As President Trump works to fix – and unite – the country, I am more energized than ever about my campaign to fix and unite New Jersey. After shocking people with a near victory three years ago, we are going to finish the job in 2025 and restore affordability, safety, prosperity, and opportunity to every person in our state. It’s time. Let’s get to work.”

State Sen. Jon Bramnick

“Congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump, Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance, Congressmen Jeff Van Drew, Chris Smith and Tom Kean and the many local Republican candidates who won last night.

“I would also like to congratulate Curtis Bashaw, who ran a hard-fought race for U.S. Senate with integrity and a commitment to improving New Jersey.

“There is much reason for optimism in the Republican Party as a diverse coalition of voters delivered a clean sweep of the Presidency, control of the U.S. Senate, and a majority in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C.

“Republicans now have the opportunity to deliver on their promise of smaller government, lower taxes, less regulation, a secure border and law and order. I am optimistic they will be able to make good on these commitments and the United States will be better for it.

“The Republican Party also showed that when we take the time reach out to all communities whether urban, suburban, or rural our message resonates.

“I am excited for Republican prospects in 2025 and I remain committed to expanding our party’s coalition, winning back the Governorship, a Republican majority in the state Assembly and local races up and down the state.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

“On Election Day, my son came with me to the polls and watched as I filled out my ballot. I started the day with a mix of excitement and anxiety, feeling the weight of the moment. But the next morning, our worst fears came true. When my wife told our five-year-old son that Trump had won the election, he began to cry, and I felt the wind leave my body as I watched tears fall down his cheeks. We hugged and shared our grief.

“Today, we should give ourselves a moment to mourn. But after that moment, we must come together and go on the offense. We need to organize, hold our leaders accountable, and stand up for those in our communities who may feel targeted or afraid. For many Americans, the American Dream is a distant, heavy hope, burdened by economic distress and inequity that make it relentlessly out of reach. Last night, democracy was sacrificed at the altar of indifference.

“We owe it to our children to revive it.”

Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller

“The results from last night and today aren’t what we hoped for. There’s no getting around that.

“Today, my wife and I have been feeling angry, frustrated, and disappointed. I’m sure many of you share those feelings.

“We’re experiencing a national loss of the values and rights we believe in. It won’t be easy to get through this, and we should all take the time to process how we’re feeling right now. But I know that every loss teaches us something: how to adapt, recover, and recommit to what comes next.

“So many folks have worked hard to support Democratic candidates here in New Jersey and across the country over the last few months. If you’re among them, please know that your efforts mattered. They meant something — and know that if you’re feeling knocked down, we’ll need you to get back up for the fights ahead.

“Over the coming months and years, those of us who believe in the promise of democracy have to work together to defend it. I’m doing it for my boys — I won’t give up on America or their future in this great country. I’m doing it for you — and I need you right there with me to fight twice as hard for our democracy and the rights we hold dear.

“We’ve got critical work to do, and New Jerseyans are no strangers to hard work. We can come back from this.

“I remain ever hopeful that we can deliver on the promise of America.”

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