Jack Ciattarelli Gets Heartwarming Surprise Visit from Army Son Before Mikie Sherrill Wins New Jersey Governor’s Race [WATCH]

Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill has won the New Jersey governor’s race, defeating Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in a closely fought contest that capped an intense campaign across the state, as reported by The New York Post.

Ciattarelli’s final day on the trail ended on an emotional note when his son, U.S. Army Capt. Jake Ciattarelli, returned home from Kuwait to surprise him on the eve of the election, as reported by The New York Post.

The reunion took place Monday night during a campaign stop at Murph’s Tavern in northern New Jersey, where Ciattarelli was meeting with voters.

Passaic County Republican Chairman Peter Murphy teased the crowd moments before the surprise, saying, “You don’t know what I’m going to say right now, but your biggest supporter who serves his country just came over overnight to serve you.”

A visibly confused Ciattarelli asked, “Who’s here?” before his son, dressed in full Army uniform, walked in and embraced him to loud applause. Supporters broke out in cheers and chants of “USA” as the two hugged on stage.

Several attendees shared videos of the moment online, including Morris County GOP Chairman Mike Inganamort, who posted, “BIG SURPRISE GUEST: Jack’s son, Jake, straight from Kuwait! God Bless and thank you for your service. It’s time.”

BIG SURPRISE GUEST: Jack’s son, Jake, straight from Kuwait! God Bless and thank you for your service. It’s time. pic.twitter.com/TfrhyP7nwf

— Mike Inganamort (@MikeInganamort) November 3, 2025

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

Ciattarelli joked about his son’s unexpected arrival, telling the audience, “Now let me guess, you called the president yesterday. He sent Air Force One over to Kuwait and picked up Jack.”

He then added with a smile, “And if I know the young man, he’ll probably be on a plane this afternoon back to Kuwait to defend our country.”

He continued, “What he probably forgot to do because he’s been so busy defending our nation, he probably forgot to get in his vote-by-mail ballot. He’s here to vote.”

Capt. Ciattarelli told reporters afterward that he planned to remain in the United States through Thursday before returning to duty. He has served as a U.S. Army captain since late 2023.

Throughout the campaign, Jack Ciattarelli frequently spoke about his son’s military service, sharing photos of him during deployment, including an image from April showing Jake pointing to a “New Jersey Ave” street sign in the Middle East.

Ciattarelli closed his campaign Monday night with stops in Neptune City and Raritan after hosting a tele-rally with President Donald Trump. Despite a strong final push, he fell short in the polls, with Sherrill ultimately securing victory and extending Democratic control in the state.

Sherrill’s win makes her New Jersey’s first female governor in two decades. In her victory speech Tuesday night, she thanked voters for their support and pledged to “govern for all New Jerseyans.”

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