Ciattarelli wins Passaic GOP endorsement

In a unanimous vote, Passaic County Republicans tonight endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for governor and picked two candidates for county commissioner as they seek to reverse the 7-0 Democratic majority in the fall.

“Jack has always had Passaic County’s back, and we’re proud to have his,” said Peter Murphy, the GOP county chairman.  “When he led our ticket in 2021, he helped drive Republican turnout and secure a major win for our party in the county. He understands the struggles our residents face—whether it’s skyrocketing costs, reckless overdevelopment, or rising crime—and he’s the only candidate with the vision and experience to turn things around. We look forward to working with him to take back New Jersey.”

Passaic County became a battleground county after Donald Trump won it by just under three percentage points last year; a Republican presidential candidate had not carried Passaic since 1992.

Former County Commissioner Nicolino Gallo will seek a return to the post he won, narrowly, in 2021 and lost in 2024.   He’ll be joined on the GOP ticket by Danilo Ramirez, a Hawthorne school board member.

“Nicolino Gallo made history as the first Republican elected to the county commission in nearly two decades, and we’re ready to send him back to continue the fight for Passaic County residents,” Murphy stated. “He has proven himself to be a strong voice for taxpayers, and we know he and Danilo Ramirez will work tirelessly to bring balance and accountability to our county government.”

Passaic County Democrats picked Mike Ramaglia, a former Republican councilman from West Milford who switched parties after losing a 2015 mayoral primary, and Christina Schratz, a school board member in the city of Passaic, as the slogan-bearing candidates for county commissioner in the June primary.

Incumbent Terry Duffy did not compete after being told he would not get party support for an eighth term.  His running mate since 2005, Pat Lepore, is not seeking re-election.

Murphy called the Gallo/Ramriez slate “a team of battle-tested leaders, fresh faces, and committed Republicans who will fight to make New Jersey a place where families can thrive.”

“Passaic County voters are tired of high taxes, runaway spending, and weak leadership in Trenton,” he said.  “This slate represents our best opportunity to take back the state and restore common sense in government.”

Passaic Republicans endorsed Carlstadt Councilwoman Diane DeBiase and former Lyndhurst Board of Education President Christopher Musto to run for State Assembly in the 36th district.  They face a primary fight from the Auriemma Twins– Chris Auriemma ran for Senate and his brother, Craig Auriemma, ran for Assembly in 2021 and 2023, are also seeking the GOP nomination.

Republicans hope to make the district competitive after Trump’s victory but still face a tough battle against well-established Democrats running for re-election.  Assemblymen Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and Clinton Calabrese (D-Cliffside Park) represent the 36th district. Both have filed for re-election.

Endorsements went to Assembly incumbents in the 25th, 26th and 40th districts.

Republican Frank Filipelli will challenge interim incumbent Benjie Wimberly (D-Paterson) in a special State Senate election in the 35th district; this is the seat now-Rep. Nellie Pou (D-North Haledon) won in 2023.  Nelvin Mercado and Rawell Perez will run for Assembly.