President Trump has made an endorsement in the New Jersey GOP governor’s primary, backing 2021 gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli.

“Jack Ciattarelli is a terrific America First Candidate running to be the next Governor of a State that I love, NEW JERSEY!” Trump said in a Monday post on Truth Social.

“Jack, who after getting to know and understand MAGA, has gone ALL IN, and is now 100% (PLUS!). He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Jersey and, as your next Governor, Jack Ciattarelli will work closely with me and the Trump Administration to advance our America First Agenda,” he added.

Ciattarelli lost the governor’s race to current Garden State Gov. Phil Murphy (D) four years ago, but did so narrowly. The 2021 Republican gubernatorial nominee is competing to be his party’s candidate in this year’s race alongside figures like former talk radio host Bill Spadea and state Sen. Jon Bramnick.

Former Vice President Harris won New Jersey in last year’s presidential election, but Republicans made inroads in the state. Former President Biden won the state by 15 points four years prior, while Harris won it by 5 points in 2024.

“Jack is the Republican Candidate who is best positioned to STAND TALL against the Radical Left Democrats and, most importantly, ensure a Big Victory in this Very Important Gubernatorial Election, an Election that is being closely watched by the entire World because, we are ending WOKE, and all of the other NONSENSE that goes along with it, AND NOBODY WANTS TO SEE IT COME BACK!” Trump said in his Monday Truth Social post. 

“Jack Ciattarelli is a WINNER, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, ELECT JACK CIATTARELLI!” he added.

In a post on the social platform X Monday, Ciattarelli said he was “humbled and honored to receive President Trump’s very strong endorsement today.”

“It’s time to unite our party, win big in November, and make New Jersey affordable and safe again,” he added. “When I’m Governor, we will.”