New Jersey voters are gearing up for the 2025 gubernatorial election, and one of the marquee campaign events is the “Return to Wildwood Rally” scheduled for October 10th, featuring Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and a slate of special guests. The event promises to be a focal point for the campaign season as Ciattarelli makes his third bid for the state’s highest office.
Ciattarelli, a former New Jersey state assemblyman, first sought the governorship in 2017, placing second in the Republican primary, and then secured the Republican nomination in 2021, narrowly losing to incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy. In 2025, he faces Democratic nominee and U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch in a state often defined by tight margins in statewide races.
Political Career and Background
Jack Ciattarelli’s career in public service spans local and state government. He began in municipal politics, serving on the Raritan Borough Council and the Somerset County Freeholder Board, gaining early experience in governance and community engagement. In 2011, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 16th legislative district, a seat he held until 2018. His legislative tenure is marked by a focus on fiscal responsibility and local economic development, setting the foundation for his statewide campaigns.
Campaign Priorities for 2025
Ciattarelli’s platform emphasizes what he calls an “affordability crisis” in New Jersey. He has positioned himself as a proponent of tax cuts and a smaller, more efficient state government to ease the financial burden on residents. On education, he advocates for reforms to sexual and social education programs, emphasizing age-appropriateness and parental involvement in decisions about students’ gender identity policies. Public safety is another cornerstone of his campaign, with proposals to repeal New Jersey’s sanctuary state status, increase cooperation with federal law enforcement, and relax certain restrictions on police officers in response to concerns about crime and community safety.
In a strategic effort to broaden his appeal, Ciattarelli has also engaged with minority communities. In September 2025, he addressed a Black church in Elizabeth, pledging to appoint a diverse Cabinet and promote state contracts for minority-owned businesses, signaling a push to reach voters beyond traditional Republican strongholds.
Recent Campaign Activity
Ciattarelli’s path to the nomination gained momentum with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, securing his victory in the Republican primary in June 2025. In July, he announced Morris County Sheriff James Gannon as his running mate, aiming to balance the ticket with law enforcement experience and local recognition. Since then, Ciattarelli has been actively campaigning across New Jersey, focusing on towns and counties that have historically leaned Democratic, such as Morris and Bergen, in hopes of expanding his electoral base.
The October 10th rally in Wildwood is expected to draw a sizable crowd and serve as a highlight of the campaign calendar, featuring speeches, voter engagement activities, and opportunities for supporters to interact with the nominee. It underscores the importance of in-person events in the lead-up to Election Day and highlights Ciattarelli’s strategy to energize his base while courting undecided voters in competitive regions.
As New Jerseyans prepare for what promises to be a closely watched gubernatorial contest, the Wildwood rally offers a glimpse into the intensity of the 2025 race. For ongoing updates, campaign coverage, and detailed political analysis, visit Explore New Jersey’s Politics section.
