DNC chair says N.J. is central to Democrats’ push against Trump

Three days before the primary for governor, the country’s top Democrat strolled into New Jersey, saying the state is a vital battleground for Democrats’ attempts to hit back at President Donald Trump. 

Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, visited and canvassed in the Somerset County community of Basking Ridge on Saturday afternoon, pushing voters to participate in next week’s primary.

“Stopping Donald Trump starts right here in New Jersey,” Martin said. “Make no mistake about it.”

Democrats expect to face former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli in the November general election. Martin, who hasn’t endorsed a candidate in the primary, said Ciattarelli would align with Trump and called on Democrats to unite against him.

“While Jack might be a nice guy, Donald Trump is not, and you can expect him just to fall in line with Donald Trump and the rest of the Republicans if he’s the next governor of this state,” Martin said.

One of only two governor’s races in the country this year, top Democrats are making clear they intend to spend as much as they think will be necessary to keep the governorship blue. Speaking to reporters after his remarks Saturday, Martin said the DNC will place a “significant, seven-figure investment” into New Jersey this year. Leaders at the Democratic Governors Association said earlier this week that the DGA also intends to spend heavily on the race.

Trump endorsed Ciattarelli last month, cementing the former assemblyman’s status as the frontrunner, and hosted a “tele-rally” for the Republican earlier this week.

“New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show and really get in there and vote for somebody that’s going to make things happen,” Trump said during the event. “I’m asking you to get out and vote for a true champion for the people of your state.”

Just miles away from the president’s golf club in Bedminster, the visit also acted as a gathering of Democratic candidates for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district — at least four declared candidates gathered for Martin’s remarks. Democrats are lining up to challenge Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), who won his second term in Congress last fall.

“All of those CD-7 candidates, let me tell you, one of the best opportunities we have to flip a seat in New Jersey is Kean’s seat,” Martin said. “And thank you so much for all of you.”

Martin’s visit comes as Democrats across the country try to make sense of their 2024 losses and search for strong leadership to prepare for this November, 2026, and 2028. Former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison told the Washington Post he felt he was “taken for granted” while leading the party, and Martin said he understands that sentiment. 

“I am the leader of the party, I was elected to lead,” Martin told reporters. “I don’t have a White House to answer to. That means I can make some decisions that Jaime wasn’t able to.”