Jack Ciattarelli Announces Immigration Priorities in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race
With just days remaining until Election Day, New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has taken a strong stance on immigration policy during a Fox News town hall with Sean Hannity. Speaking to a crowd of local residents in Point Pleasant, Ciattarelli announced his plan to eliminate the state’s sanctuary policies on his first day in office if elected. Despite trailing his Democratic opponent, Representative Mikie Sherrill, by seven points in traditionally blue New Jersey, the Republican candidate expressed confidence in his campaign’s momentum. “Executive order number one, on day one, no town in this state will be a sanctuary city, we will not be a sanctuary state,” Ciattarelli declared to applause from attendees. He emphasized that many of Governor Phil Murphy’s policies were implemented through executive orders rather than legislation, making them easier to reverse under a new administration.
Immigration enforcement represents just one facet of Ciattarelli’s law enforcement agenda. The Republican candidate also prioritized eliminating cashless bail, which he believes has created a system easily exploited by repeat offenders. “Talk to your local cops and they’ll tell you about this dynamic known as ‘arrest, release, repeat,’ it’s demoralizing for cops,” he explained during the town hall. Ciattarelli argued that sanctuary policies “handcuff” local police and prevent effective cooperation between local and federal authorities. His vision would restore the ability of local police chiefs and mayors to partner with federal agencies to maintain community safety without state interference—a position that resonated with the crowd of New Jersey voters concerned about public safety.
The town hall also ventured into personal territory as Ciattarelli criticized Representative Sherrill for refusing to release her military records related to a disciplinary action she faced while attending the U.S. Naval Academy. Though Sherrill has maintained she did not personally cheat but was disciplined for refusing to provide information about others who did, Ciattarelli pressed the issue of transparency. “All she has to do is approve the release of her disciplinary records, and we’ll know why she was disciplined. And if what she is saying is true, her disciplinary records will confirm that, but she won’t release them,” he stated, suggesting this represented a broader pattern of behavior from his opponent.
Despite having run unsuccessfully for New Jersey governor twice before, Ciattarelli expressed optimism about his chances in this election. He pointed to early voting results that he believes put him in a “really good position to win” despite the challenges of running as a Republican in a traditionally Democratic state. The candidate also highlighted Sherrill’s endorsement from New York socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, criticizing her for not rejecting the association. Hannity underscored this criticism by drawing a parallel to Sherrill’s military records, noting, “Just like she’ll be the most transparent but never give out her naval records.”
The New Jersey gubernatorial race represents another test of shifting political allegiances in the post-Trump era. Ciattarelli’s focus on immigration and law enforcement reflects broader Republican messaging nationwide, particularly in suburban and traditionally Democratic-leaning areas. By emphasizing practical concerns like community safety and cooperation between different levels of law enforcement, he attempts to make inroads with voters who might not typically support Republican candidates. The candidate’s approach demonstrates how state-level races increasingly mirror national political dynamics, with immigration enforcement becoming a pivotal issue even in states not located directly on international borders.
As Election Day approaches, both candidates continue to mobilize their bases and court undecided voters. Ciattarelli’s appearance on the Fox News town hall gave him an opportunity to speak directly to conservative viewers and articulate his vision for New Jersey’s future. While polls still show him trailing, the Republican candidate is banking on concerns about immigration, crime, and transparency to help him close the gap with Sherrill in the campaign’s final days. Whether his message resonates widely enough to overcome the state’s Democratic leanings remains the central question as New Jersey voters prepare to choose their next governor.
