Jack Ciattarelli Attends Event In Belleville, Stumps In Essex County

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Jack has been back in Essex County.

Earlier this week, former New Jersey assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli attended a fundraiser at Belmont Tavern in Belleville. The appearance was part of his 2025 campaign for governor; learn more about his campaign platform here.

The Republican candidate has also been making campaign visits to other Essex County municipalities, including Fairfield, Orange, Newark and West Orange.

Ciattarelli – who won the GOP gubernatorial nod in 2021 – nearly beat Gov. Phil Murphy that year, getting 48 percent of the vote to Murphy’s 51.2 percent in the general election. Now, with the term-limited Murphy unable to run again, he’s back for another crack at the governor’s seat.

A primary election will take place in New Jersey on June 10.

Ciattarelli is one of three Republican gubernatorial candidates who recently qualified for public financing from the state. The other GOP candidates who made the cut were Jon Bramnick and Bill Spadea.

Other Republican candidates who are running in the 2025 primary election include Justin Barbera and Mario Kranjac.

• See Related: Several Governor Candidates In NJ Qualify For Public Funds
• See Related: 5 Takeaways From First GOP Debate For NJ Governor

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham shared some details of last week’s event in a recent social media post, noting that North Arlington Mayor Daniel Pronti was also in attendance at the fundraiser.

Melham said that he has supported Democratic candidates before. However, Ciattarelli is the “right guy for the job” for this year’s high-profile governor election, he opined.

“Belleville has been treated poorly by this administration, something I’ve been outspoken about in the past,” the mayor said.

“Our police have been neutered and are relegated to responding to crime rather than acting to prevent it,” Melham said. “Unfunded mandates have caused budgets and costs to rise. And because Trenton cares more about wind turbines off our shore, the [New Jersey Board of Public Utilities] is prepping for an enormous utility increase.”

• See Related: NJ Electric Rates Going Up Again In June (Here’s How Much)

The mayor also took a shot at Gov. Murphy’s final budget proposal, which has seen criticism from both conservatives and progressives.

• See Related: NJ Protesters Rally Against Potential State Budget Cuts
• See Related: Republicans Criticize Proposed NJ Budget: ‘Anything But Affordable’

According to his social media pages, Ciattarelli has also been making campaign trips to other Essex County towns and cities over the past few weeks. They include:

FAIRFIELD – “In Fairfield, Essex County, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s hosted its annual Art of Being a Modern Latina event which celebrates Hispanic female business ownership. It was great to speak with so many Latina business owners who help stimulate New Jersey’s economy. Together, we can make our state a better place to start, own and build a business.”

ORANGE – “In the city of Orange, Essex County, talking to voters about our fight to cut taxes, end corruption, get tough on illegal immigration, and save our schools!”

NEWARK – “Spirited conversation last night in Newark talking about how we can revitalize our cities, make life more affordable, end corruption, and save our schools.”

WEST ORANGE – “Great to be with business professionals and local leaders for a meaningful discussion on key issues that are impacting New Jersey businesses and communities. It’s too hard to start a business and create jobs in New Jersey – I know firsthand. As governor, I’ll make it easier and set the NJ economy free to grow!”

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