Trump-Backed Ciattarelli Secures Major Endorsement as NJ Governor’s Race Tightens [WATCH]

The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police (NJ FOP) endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli on Tuesday, giving the Trump-backed contender a key boost in one of the nation’s most closely watched off-year elections.

🚨 BREAKING: In a major development, the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police endorses Trump-backed JACK CIATTARELLI for New Jersey governor this November.

Last time they endorsed, they supported a DEMOCRAT.

FLIP IT RED! Go vote! pic.twitter.com/PjLW31s8t3

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 23, 2025

Ciattarelli announced the endorsement in a post on X, writing, “I am honored to have the faith, trust, and confidence of the [NJ FOP] leadership and, of course, their membership. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to support law enforcement – and their families. Working in close partnership, we can and will make communities all across New Jersey safe.”

He added, “In a number of ways, the job of law enforcement has never been more difficult, which is why recruitment, retention and morale is down. We can change all that by restoring respect for authority, law and order and, most of all, the men and women in blue who are trained and dedicated professionals very much committed to serving and protecting.”

🚨Endorsement Alert🚨
I am honored to have the faith, trust, and confidence of the @njfop leadership and, of course, their membership. As Governor, I will do everything in my power to support law enforcement – and their families. Working in close partnership, we can and will… pic.twitter.com/B1f6HoSkql

— Jack Ciattarelli (@Jack4NJ) September 23, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The endorsement is significant given the union’s history of rarely weighing in on gubernatorial races.

In 2017, the NJ FOP backed Democrat Phil Murphy in his successful bid for governor.

Four years later, during Murphy’s reelection contest against Ciattarelli, the union declined to make an endorsement.

Ciattarelli has outlined policies that diverge sharply from the current administration.

If elected, he has pledged to repeal New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

He has also said his attorney general would end ongoing lawsuits the state has filed against the Trump Administration, arguing that taxpayer resources should instead be directed toward state residents.

The endorsement comes as polls show a tightening race between Ciattarelli and Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill.

A survey conducted by National Research found Ciattarelli leading 46 percent to 45 percent in a two-way contest.

That poll included a 21-point advantage for Ciattarelli among voters not registered with either major party.

An Emerson College poll released the following day indicated the race was tied, highlighting how competitive the contest has become.

Republicans are hopeful that gains made in the 2024 presidential election will carry over to the governor’s race.

Voter registration trends in New Jersey show a narrowing partisan gap.

In 2020, Democrats represented 38 percent of registered voters while Republicans accounted for 22 percent.

By 2024, the Republican share of the electorate had increased to 24 percent.

New Jersey saw one of the sharpest rightward swings in the country during the 2024 presidential election.

Kamala Harris defeated President Trump in the state by fewer than six percentage points, 51.8 percent to 45.9 percent.

In 2020, Joe Biden carried New Jersey with 57.3 percent of the vote compared to Trump’s 41.4 percent.

The state’s last gubernatorial contest also provides Republicans with reason for optimism.

In 2021, polling showed Murphy leading Ciattarelli by double digits.

A National Research survey that June placed Murphy 12 points ahead.

On Election Day, however, Murphy’s advantage narrowed significantly, and he ultimately won reelection by just three points despite a substantial fundraising advantage.

With Murphy term-limited and polls showing a competitive race, the NJ FOP endorsement adds to the growing signs that Republicans view New Jersey as a possible pickup opportunity.

Both campaigns are expected to intensify their efforts as November approaches, with law enforcement support now firmly in Ciattarelli’s corner.