Former presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy appeared alongside New Jersey Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli at a campaign rally at the Saddle Brook Diner on October 15, 2025, drawing a crowd of over 500 supporters, with attendees filling the diner and spilling into the parking lot. The event highlighted the intensity of the closing weeks of the 2025 gubernatorial race and underscored the national attention on New Jersey’s political landscape.
The Saddle Brook stop was part of Ciattarelli’s ongoing “Diner Tour,” designed to energize voters ahead of early voting, which begins October 25. Ciattarelli and Ramaswamy both praised the turnout, calling the crowd “fired up” and enthusiastic. The Bergen County location was strategic, aimed at rallying Republican base voters while engaging residents who may not regularly participate in non-presidential elections.
Ramaswamy, speaking to Fox News Digital during the event, emphasized the broader significance of the 2025 gubernatorial races. He noted that Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia could serve as a springboard for further GOP wins in 2026, including a potential gubernatorial bid in Ohio. For Ciattarelli, the collaboration with a nationally recognized conservative figure was part of a strategy to boost voter engagement and leverage wider political trends in a state typically considered Democratic-leaning.
Supporters of Ciattarelli viewed the rally as a clear sign of growing momentum. Social media posts from the campaign described the event as electric, with grassroots enthusiasm peaking in the final stretch of the election. Observers noted that the large turnout, which extended beyond the diner itself, reflected a surge in local engagement and highlighted Ciattarelli’s ability to mobilize voters in key regions like Bergen County.
However, the event also drew criticism from Democrats and opponents. Some argued that Ciattarelli’s decision to campaign with a national political figure distracted from pressing local issues, while others questioned the optics of associating with Ramaswamy, who has faced controversy over past remarks. Critics suggested that the partnership could be seen as prioritizing national partisan messaging over the concerns of New Jersey voters.
Despite these critiques, the competitive nature of the race remains clear. Recent polls show Ciattarelli trailing Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill by a narrow margin, with Sherrill at 50% and Ciattarelli at 44% among likely voters. While the numbers indicate a tight contest, Ciattarelli’s supporters appear highly motivated, with 91% reporting enthusiasm for voting compared to 86% among Sherrill backers. This combination of energized supporters and strategic campaigning highlights the pivotal role of voter engagement in the final weeks leading up to the November 4 election.
The Saddle Brook rally also reflects the broader trend of New Jersey’s gubernatorial contests drawing national attention, with outside political figures participating to influence local dynamics. For those following the evolving race, including candidate updates, polling data, and campaign analysis, visit Explore New Jersey Politics to stay informed on developments shaping the 2025 election cycle.
Ciattarelli’s campaign continues to focus on energizing supporters across the state, while Sherrill emphasizes local issues and community-focused policies, setting the stage for a high-stakes, closely watched election that could signal broader trends in upcoming national races.
