Republican Jack Ciattarelli is emerging as a serious contender in the New Jersey governor’s race, where he is locked in a close contest with Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill.

The race has drawn national attention as both parties see the Garden State contest as one of the most competitive gubernatorial battles of the year.

Recent polling indicates the race is within the margin of error, with Ciattarelli gaining support in traditionally Democratic regions.

The former state assemblyman, who narrowly lost to outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, has picked up new endorsements that suggest momentum is shifting in his favor.

On Sunday, Ciattarelli secured public backing from two North Hudson County officials — North Bergen Commissioner Allen Pascual and West New York Commissioner Marcos Arroyo — both Democrats.

Their endorsements mark a significant development in a region long considered a Democratic stronghold.

“When Democrats in Hudson County are standing with us, you know change is coming,” Ciattarelli said after the announcement.

“This isn’t about party lines — it’s about fixing New Jersey, and I’m the only candidate with a plan to get it done.”

The endorsements were first reported by the New York Post and confirmed by Ciattarelli’s campaign.

In addition, The New Jersey Globe reported that former Hudson County Democratic Chairman Anthony Vainieri Jr. is expected to endorse Ciattarelli in the coming days.

Political observers note that bipartisan endorsements in Hudson County are rare and may signal growing dissatisfaction among local voters with the state’s current leadership.

Ciattarelli has campaigned heavily on issues such as property tax relief, small business support, and education reform, themes that have resonated with voters frustrated by the state’s high cost of living and ongoing fiscal challenges.

Representative Mikie Sherrill, Ciattarelli’s Democratic opponent, has faced scrutiny during the campaign over questions about her personal finances and past controversies.

Reports have highlighted that Sherrill’s net worth increased by several million dollars since her election to Congress.

In addition, past records from the U.S. Naval Academy show she did not participate in her class graduation ceremony following a cheating investigation during her time at Annapolis.

Sherrill has also drawn criticism for declining to condemn Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Liberation Army convicted of murdering New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973.

Shakur escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she lived in exile until her death last month.

The combination of these issues has given Ciattarelli an opening in a state where Democrats have dominated statewide elections for more than two decades.

His campaign has emphasized restoring trust in government and addressing long-term economic issues that many voters say have worsened under Democratic leadership.

Ciattarelli, a former small business owner and longtime fixture in New Jersey politics, has framed his campaign as a grassroots effort focused on bipartisan problem-solving.

“We’re building a coalition of Republicans, independents, and Democrats who know this state can do better,” he said at a campaign stop in Bergen County last week.

Political analysts point out that Ciattarelli’s narrow loss to Murphy in 2021 demonstrated that a Republican path to victory in New Jersey remains viable, particularly when Democratic turnout is lower in non-presidential election years.

With Sherrill facing growing criticism and Ciattarelli consolidating bipartisan support, the race is shaping up as one of the most closely watched contests heading into the fall.

The New Jersey gubernatorial election is scheduled for November, and both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach efforts in the coming weeks as early voting approaches.