TRENTON, N.J. — As New Jersey’s Republican gubernatorial primary approaches on June 10, 2025, the race has highlighted significant ideological divisions within the state GOP. The contest features a spectrum of candidates, from staunch supporters of former President Donald Trump to moderates advocating for a departure from his influence.
Leading the field is Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and the GOP’s 2021 gubernatorial nominee. Ciattarelli has secured a pivotal endorsement from Trump, who praised him as a “true champion” capable of turning New Jersey red. This endorsement has bolstered Ciattarelli’s campaign, positioning him as the frontrunner in the primary. Recent polls indicate Ciattarelli holds a substantial lead, with support from 44% to 54% of likely Republican primary voters.
Ciattarelli’s platform includes repealing sanctuary state policies, implementing reverse congestion pricing targeting New York drivers, and establishing a Department of Government Efficiency inspired by Elon Musk’s initiatives. His alignment with Trump’s agenda marks a shift from his previous stance; in 2015, Ciattarelli had criticized Trump but has since embraced the former president’s policies.
Challenging Ciattarelli is Bill Spadea, a conservative radio host and former congressional candidate. Spadea has positioned himself as the authentic MAGA candidate, advocating for anti-abortion policies, defunding Planned Parenthood, and opposing sanctuary cities. He expressed disappointment over Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli, suggesting it was based on polling rather than policy alignment.
State Senator Jon Bramnick represents the moderate faction within the GOP. A self-described “pro-choice Republican,” Bramnick has been openly critical of Trump’s influence on the party, emphasizing the need for civility and bipartisan cooperation. His platform focuses on reducing taxes and opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana, aiming to appeal to centrist voters.
Mario Kranjac, the former mayor of Englewood Cliffs, is also in the race, branding himself as an “unapologetic supporter of President Trump.” Kranjac’s platform includes tax cuts, term limits, and the establishment of a state-level Department of Government Efficiency. Despite his alignment with Trump’s policies, Kranjac has struggled to gain traction in the polls.
The primary’s outcome is poised to signal the direction of the Republican Party in New Jersey. A victory for Ciattarelli would suggest a consolidation of pro-Trump sentiment within the state GOP, while a strong showing from Bramnick could indicate a desire for a more moderate approach. The general election will see the Republican nominee face off against the Democratic candidate, with the race serving as a barometer for national political trends ahead of the 2026 midterms.
New Jersey’s political landscape remains complex, with Democrats holding a significant registration advantage. However, the state’s history of electing Republican governors, such as Chris Christie, underscores the potential for GOP success. As the primary approaches, the Republican candidates’ divergent visions reflect the broader national debate over the party’s future direction.
