Some New Jersey Democrats are jumping ship to back a Republican for governor! In a twist that’s got political tongues wagging, Jack Ciattarelli, the GOP contender, is picking up support from municipal Democrats in his battle against Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ).
The Washington Examiner reported that Ciattarelli’s campaign against Sherrill has split Democratic loyalties, with most state party members sticking with Sherrill while a notable handful of local leaders throw their weight behind the Republican in a race deemed “Lean Democrat” by the Cook Political Report.
This isn’t just a minor ripple in the Garden State’s political pond. Ciattarelli, a familiar face in New Jersey politics, is challenging Sherrill with a platform that’s resonating with some unexpected allies.
It’s a tight contest, and every endorsement counts in a state that hasn’t seen a Republican governor since Chris Christie’s departure.
The list of Democrats backing Ciattarelli reads like a who’s who of municipal heavyweights. North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, who governs a township of over 60,000, is leading the charge, alongside North Bergen Commissioner Allen Pascual, Dover Mayor Jim Dodd, Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto Jr., Branchville Mayor Anthony Frato Sr., Branchville Councilman Jeff Lewis, and former Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman Anthony Vainieri.
Sacco’s endorsement is particularly striking, given his clout in Hudson County, one of the state’s biggest political battlegrounds. A former state senator, Sacco’s support for Ciattarelli comes amid a bitter feud with Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who played a role in Sacco’s Senate retirement through redistricting drama. Stack, representing over 68,000 residents, has unsurprisingly endorsed Sherrill, balancing out Sacco’s defection.
“I am proud to stand alongside Jack Ciattarelli at our annual Mayor’s Ball to formally endorse his candidacy,” Sacco declared. “The welfare and well-being of our North Bergen residents are more important than party lines.” Well, Mayor, that’s a noble sentiment, but one wonders if this is more about settling old scores than a sudden love for GOP policies.
Dover Mayor Jim Dodd also chimed in with his reasons for backing Ciattarelli, focusing on practical concerns. “On day one, Jack made a commitment to end sanctuary cities, and the state of New Jersey will no longer be a sanctuary state,” Dodd said. “We need to let our law enforcement do their job.”
Dodd didn’t stop there, adding, “We don’t hear real solutions from Mikie.” Ouch—that’s a direct jab at Sherrill’s campaign, and it suggests some Democrats are fed up with what they see as empty promises from their own party’s standard-bearer. It’s a bold move, but will it sway voters tired of progressive talking points?
Meanwhile, Ciattarelli isn’t just winning over local politicians in New Jersey. The Brooklyn-based New Era Democrats, a moderate group that previously supported Republican Lee Zeldin for New York governor in 2022, have also thrown their hat in the ring for Ciattarelli. It’s a curious cross-state alliance, especially since Zeldin now serves as the EPA administrator.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Ciattarelli rallied with supporters in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, likely buoyed by these unexpected endorsements.
The event was a chance to capitalize on the growing buzz around his campaign, especially with local leaders breaking from party orthodoxy to stand by his side.
These endorsements aren’t just symbolic—they signal a deeper frustration with the Democratic establishment’s direction. For many working-class New Jerseyans, the state’s high taxes and cost of living are crushing, and Ciattarelli’s message of affordability seems to be cutting through the noise. Could this be the crack in the blue wall that the GOP has been waiting for?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. While Ciattarelli’s camp is gaining traction, most state Democrats remain firmly in Sherrill’s corner. The Cook Political Report’s “Lean Democrat” rating reminds us that the road to the governor’s mansion is still an uphill climb for the Republican.
Still, the race remains close, and every vote will matter in deciding whether New Jersey flips back to Republican control for the first time in years.
Ciattarelli’s ability to peel off Democratic support, even if it’s just at the municipal level, shows a hunger for change among some voters who feel left behind by progressive policies.
