Democrat Councilman Switches Sides, Joins GOP and Endorses Ciattarelli

A Democratic councilman in Bergen County, New Jersey, announced Wednesday that he is leaving the Democratic Party and joining the GOP, becoming the latest local official in the state to back Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli.

Alpine Councilman David Kupferschmid revealed his party switch during a public statement, saying he no longer recognizes the Democratic Party’s direction.

Alpine Councilman David Kupferschmid has switched to the Republican Party and announced his endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor. pic.twitter.com/V5muqDXAp2

— News Now (@NewsNowUS) October 22, 2025

He will now serve as the lone Republican on the Alpine Borough Council, marking the first time in more than two decades that a Republican has held a seat on the governing body.

“The Democrat Party does not represent us anymore,” Kupferschmid said.

“With my switch, I will now be the first Republican on the council in more than 20 years. I hope that this is the beginning of a resurgence for the Republican Party in Alpine where alternate voices are much needed on the governing body.”

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Kupferschmid, who was first elected in 2023, will be up for re-election next year.

He cited the increasing influence of far-left figures, such as New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, as an example of how the party’s priorities have shifted.

Mamdani, a self-described socialist and front-runner in the New York City mayoral race, has drawn criticism for his openly pro-communist views.

“The Democratic Party has become unrecognizable,” Kupferschmid said, adding that his decision reflects a growing frustration among voters who no longer feel represented by the current leadership.

Alpine, a small Bergen County community of about 1,750 residents, has been reliably Democratic in local elections despite trending Republican in state and national contests.

In 2021, Ciattarelli carried Alpine by roughly 18 percentage points, and President Donald Trump won the community in last year’s presidential election.

However, Democrats have continued to dominate the town’s council races, with no Republican elected in over 20 years, according to the New Jersey Globe.

Kupferschmid expressed support for Ciattarelli’s campaign message, which he said focuses on issues that matter most to local residents.

“While Sherrill refuses to denounce the far left radicals in her party, Jack Ciattarelli has been appealing to all sides with a common sense message that includes putting the brakes on over-development and cleaning up crime, both of which are critical issues for Alpine,” he said.

🚨 WOW! In a sign of momentum, DEMOCRAT Alpine, New Jersey Councilman David Kupferschmid flips REPUBLICAN and endorses JACK CIATTARELLI for governor.

This is huge. Democrats in NJ continue to support Ciattarelli.

“With my switch, I will now be the first Republican on the… pic.twitter.com/wVQmTAyfwK

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 22, 2025

Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, has drawn increasing bipartisan support in his current race against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

His campaign has gained traction in several northern New Jersey municipalities that have historically leaned blue.

Kupferschmid is not the only Democrat in Bergen County to break ranks.

Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. also announced his decision to leave the Democratic Party and endorse Ciattarelli.

The North Jersey county, which shifted toward Republicans in 2024, is often viewed as a bellwether for statewide elections.

Other Democrats crossing party lines include Dover Mayor James P. Dodd and Garfield Deputy Mayor Tana Raymond, both of whom also supported former Republican Gov.

Chris Christie’s 2013 re-election campaign. In addition, Jamel Holley, a Democrat who previously served in the State Assembly and as mayor of Roselle, has endorsed Ciattarelli.

Oscar James II, a former Newark City Councilman, said he too plans to vote for Ciattarelli this year.

Speaking with the New York Post, James said he believes Sherrill has failed to connect with average voters.

“When you talk to everyday people, the people picking up the kids when I’m picking up my kids, the people in the grocery line…she does not relate to Democratic voters,” he said.

James, who served on Newark’s City Council from 2006 to 2010, criticized Sherrill’s campaign for focusing too heavily on national politics and her opposition to President Trump instead of local concerns.

“People want to hear what she has to offer, not that this is a vote against Trump — and she’s not talking about what she has to offer.”

With growing discontent among moderate Democrats and independents, Ciattarelli’s campaign continues to gain momentum in areas long considered Democratic strongholds.

The New Jersey gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 4.