Trump Hosts Tele-Rally to Boost Ciattarelli in New Jersey Race

Former President Donald Trump will host a tele-rally on October 24, 2023, to support Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. This event aims to mobilize voters ahead of the upcoming election and strengthen Ciattarelli’s position against Democratic rival Mikie Sherrill. With early voting set to begin shortly after the rally, both candidates are intensifying their campaigns as polls show a tightening contest.

Polling data reveals that Ciattarelli has been closing the gap with Sherrill, who is currently leading in a state where Democrats traditionally hold the advantage. The tele-rally, scheduled for 19:00 local time, is expected to energize Ciattarelli’s base, particularly among voters who tend to participate less in off-year elections. The campaign announced the event through various social media channels, highlighting Trump’s influence in mobilizing support.

Ciattarelli is making his third attempt at the governorship, having previously come close to defeating Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy in the last election. In that race, many Republican voters chose not to vote, an outcome that Ciattarelli hopes to avoid this time around. With just over a week until Election Day, he is relying on Trump’s tele-rally to galvanize his supporters and increase turnout.

In an effort to further energize the campaign, high-profile Trump allies such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Byron Donalds have also made appearances on the campaign trail. These figures are seen as instrumental in reaching low-propensity voters, who are crucial for Ciattarelli’s chances of success. Trump himself expressed confidence in Ciattarelli’s polling performance, stating on social media that he is “doing very well in the polls.”

Recent public opinion surveys from organizations including Fox News, Quinnipiac University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Rutgers-Eagleton indicate that Ciattarelli is narrowing the margins with Sherrill. The race is characterized as highly competitive, with both candidates potentially within the margin of error. Ciattarelli noted that many polls reflect a “dead heat,” emphasizing that Republicans often underperform in polling in a predominantly Democratic state.

New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states holding gubernatorial elections following a presidential election, making these contests particularly significant as indicators of political sentiment ahead of the midterm elections. Ciattarelli’s campaign is also seen as a referendum on Trump’s policies and political influence, which continue to resonate with a segment of the electorate.

Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli earlier in the year played a pivotal role in securing his nomination. Ciattarelli previously won the primary elections with significant support attributed to his alignment with Trump. “There are a whole lot of people across the state of New Jersey that are pleased with the job the president’s doing,” Ciattarelli commented.

Although Trump is not on the ballot, his presence looms large in the election. During a recent debate, Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of failing to stand up to Trump, emphasizing that voters desire leadership rather than adherence to a former president. In response, Ciattarelli has positioned himself as part of a “New Jersey movement,” while also expressing strong support for Trump’s administration.

Sherrill has focused her campaign on contrasting her vision for New Jersey with Ciattarelli’s alignment with Trump. She argues that her approach prioritizes the needs of New Jersey residents, stating, “what New Jersey wants is a leader, not a lackey.” The Democratic National Committee echoed this sentiment, suggesting that linking Ciattarelli to Trump could rally Democratic voters and sway independents in the state.

As the election draws near, both candidates are keen to capitalize on any momentum. Sherrill highlighted the strength of her volunteer program and the positive response to early voting initiatives, expressing optimism about their potential impact. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli pointed to the enthusiasm among his supporters, noting endorsements from Democratic mayors as evidence of a desire for change in the state.

With Election Day fast approaching, the outcome of the New Jersey gubernatorial race remains uncertain, but the stakes are high for both parties as they seek to secure a crucial victory. The tele-rally with Trump is poised to be a significant moment in the final push for voter engagement.