Democrats, on their heels after President Trump’s victory, see the state as the “perfect place to counterpunch.”
Democrats, on their heels after President Trump’s victory, see the state as the “perfect place to counterpunch.”
Democrats, on their heels after President Trump’s victory, see the state as the “perfect place to counterpunch.”
Democrats have held majority control of New Jersey’s Legislature for 23 years. The state has had a Democratic governor since 2018. And Democrats enjoy an 800,000-voter registration advantage.
So when Republicans talk about November’s race for governor, they acknowledge that their sense of growing optimism can feel a bit unfamiliar.
“It’s viewed, nationally, as not impossible,” said William Palatucci, one of New Jersey’s two representatives on the Republican National Committee. “And there’s a lot of interest for that reason.”
On Tuesday, Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, won the Republican nomination by a resounding 3-to-1 margin, further ratcheting up confidence among party leaders intent on making the most of an atmosphere that they believe offers the best shot for a win in years. He will run against Representative Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat who beat five opponents, decisively, after a bruising and expensive contest.
“It’s the best opportunity, maybe, in a generation,” said Mike DuHaime, a political strategist who helped to run campaigns for former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who left office in 2018.
Several factors are expected to boost Mr. Ciattarelli’s odds.
After competing for governor in 2017 and 2021, he has a sturdy level of name recognition and a deep understanding of the policy issues that are likeliest to motivate voters. He also has the world’s biggest cheerleader — President Trump — in his corner and history on his side. Not since 1961 has either party managed to hold on to the governor’s office for three consecutive terms, and Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat, has had the job for two.