Former Candidate Gustafson Backs Ciattarelli For Governor

Claire Gustafson, the former Collingswood Board of Education member who challenged Rep. Donald Norcross in the 2020 congressional elections, is urging all New Jersey Republicans to unite behind Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli in his campaign for governor.

She made the call after former New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Doug Steinhardt dropped his campaign, citing “unforeseen professional obligations.”

“I am thankful for the support former NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt gave my campaign and will be forever grateful,” Gustafson said. “His exit from the gubernatorial primary has made the decision easy. It is time for Republicans to unite behind Jack Ciattarelli for Governor.”

Businessman Hirsh Singh has also announced he is running for the Republican nomination in June’s primary.

“Jack was supportive of my campaign and spent a great deal of time supporting others in the first congressional district throughout 2020, no doubt he’s been in South Jersey more often than Governor Murphy,” Gustafson said. “There is a fundraiser planned for Jack in Gloucester County in February. I will be there with a check. It’s time for those of us who want Murphy done in ’21 to put our money where our mouths are.

“I’ve always admired Jack for standing up for what he believed to be right. While many other Republicans privately complained about former Governor Christie, Jack stood up to him. As one who protested Christie while he was still in office I have to appreciate that. Jack obviously has the courage to take the fight to Murphy. I look forward to working to get Jack elected because he truly is ready to fix New Jersey.”