Jack Ciattarelli says 12 Dem NJ mayors have endorsed him for governor

Appearing on Fox News, Ciattarelli said his campaign had just completed its second of six early-voting rallies. He also highlighted the bipartisan support he has received in the closely-watched election.

“When Democratic mayors are endorsing the Republican nominee, it tells you how badly people want change,” Ciattarelli said. “We’ve raked up at least 12 Democratic mayors that have endorsed me.”

According to Newsweek, those who have backed Ciattarelli include North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, Branchville Mayor Anthony Frato, and Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto Jr. Garnto also announced he was leaving the Democratic Party entirely after endorsing Ciattarelli.

Sacco, a longtime critic of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, announced his endorsement two weeks ago, citing frustration with state funding cuts.

“North Bergen has faced significant challenges in recent years, losing critical state funding and aid despite our ongoing appeals for support. Jack has been consistently responsive and pledged to stand with North Bergen and ensure that our community—and others like it across New Jersey—receive the resources and attention they deserve,” Sacco wrote in a post on Instagram.

He continued, “I have full confidence in his leadership and his commitment to doing what’s right for our residents and for the future of our state. The welfare and well being of our North Bergen residents are more important than party lines.”

Ciattarelli has further received backing from the Brooklyn-based New Era Democrats.

“We are proud to endorse Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey,” said the group’s president, Celia Lervasi. “As life continues to become unaffordable for the working class and New Jersey continues to be one of the highest taxed states in the country, Jack is the right person that is needed to make life more affordable for the residents of the Garden State.”

Ciattarelli faces Democrat Mikie Sherrill in a closely contested race. A Rutgers University-Eagleton poll released Thursday shows Sherrill leading by five points, with 50 percent of likely voters supporting her compared to 45 percent for Ciattarelli.