New Jersey Republican gubernatorial contender Jack Ciattarelli notched a raft of key endorsements Sunday in the Democratic stronghold of Hudson County.
Two prominent officials in North Hudson threw their weight behind Ciattarelli: North Bergen Commissioner Allen Pascual and West New York Commissioner Marcos Arroyo.
“When Democrats in Hudson County are standing with us, you know change is coming,” Ciattarelli proclaimed after locking down the endorsements. “This isn’t about party lines — it’s about fixing New Jersey and I’m the only candidate with a plan to get it done.”
Some Democrats fear that lower voter turnout in Hudson County could be a boost for Jack Ciattarelli. APIn addition to those two endorsements, former Hudson County Democratic Chairman Anthony Vainieri Jr. is rumored to endorse Ciattarelli within days, the New Jersey Globe reported.
Hudson County, the fourth-most populous county in the Garden State, which encompasses cities like Jersey City, Hoboken and Secaucus, is generally seen as one of the most solidly Democratic counties in the state.
Last November, voter turnout plunged to 52% from 61% four years prior, marking a major dip. President Trump still lost 34.4% to 62.3%, but the lower turnout helped tighten the margins in the state.
Jack Ciattarelli has spent time campaigning in Hudson County. CHRIS LACHALL/USA TODAY NETWORK ATLANTIC GROUP / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images“Jack understands what hardworking New Jersey families and small businesses need, he stands behind the men and women of law enforcement, leadership rooted in integrity, common sense, and commitment to our communities,” Pascual said of his endorsement.
“It’s time for change. Its [sic] time to make New Jersey affordable again for all the residents of New Jersey. Proud to stand with him as we work toward a stronger, brighter future for our state.”
Pascual has served as commissioner since 2002. Arroyo was first elected to his post as West New York commissioner in 2023.
The endorsements come against the backdrop of a Democratic civil war in Hudson County that raged earlier this year.
Union City Mayor Brian Stack had gotten into a bitter spat with North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco over dueling slates they each backed for the state Assembly. Stack came out on top.
Mikie Sherrill is still widely seen as the front-runner in the New Jersey governor’s race. APAdditionally, some Democratic pols in the county had splintered over whether to back Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a hometown candidate, for governor or Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ).
Polls show a tightening race between Ciattarelli and Sherill with just under a month to go before Election Day.
Sherrill has a 3.3 percentage-point edge over Ciattarelli, according to the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregate. The tightening of the race has spooked national Democrats.
On Monday, current Hudson County Democratic Organization Chair Craig Guy, threw his weight behind Sherrill and dissed the “DINOS” (Democrats in name only) who backed Ciattarelli.
“The enthusiasm for Mikie’s candidacy throughout the county is undeniable and growing by the day. It was on full display at yesterday’s parade, where tens of thousands of people turned out — and everywhere we walked, people came up to Mikie to thank her and offer their support,” he said in a statement.
“In the meantime, her opponent was endorsed by the same Hudson County DINOs whose greatest hits include the failed candidacy of Frank Schillari,” he added. “In fact, I’m not even sure if all of those people even still identify as ‘Democrats,’ or even ‘Hudson County residents.'”
