Context:

Former President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor, potentially influencing the upcoming Republican primary. Ciattarelli narrowly lost to the Democratic incumbent in 2021 and has since aligned more closely with Trump, despite previously criticizing him. Trump's endorsement could be both an asset and a liability, as New Jersey leans Democrat and Trump remains a divisive figure. Ciattarelli faces competition from Bill Spadea and Jon Bramnick, who have also been vying for Trump's support. With increasing Republican registrations and significant campaign fundraising, the GOP sees a chance to reclaim the governor's office after Chris Christie's departure in 2018.

Dive Deeper:

• Donald Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for the New Jersey gubernatorial race, boosting Ciattarelli's prospects in the Republican primary against Bill Spadea and Jon Bramnick. Trump's backing may solidify Ciattarelli's position due to Trump's influence among Republican voters.

• Jack Ciattarelli, a former State Assembly member, previously criticized Trump but has since sought his support, aligning more closely with Trump's agenda after a stronger-than-expected Republican performance in New Jersey in the 2021 elections.

• The endorsement could be a double-edged sword for Ciattarelli in the general election, as Trump's polarizing image might alienate moderate and Democratic voters in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by over 800,000.

• Despite the risks, Ciattarelli has been gaining momentum, leading in campaign donations with $3.5 million raised, and benefiting from increased Republican voter registrations, narrowing the gap historically held by Democrats.

• Bill Spadea, a conservative talk show host, and Jon Bramnick, a moderate state senator, both sought Trump's endorsement, with Spadea using Trump's past criticisms of Ciattarelli in his campaign to attract the MAGA base.

• In New Jersey's 2021 gubernatorial race, Ciattarelli nearly defeated Democratic Governor Philip Murphy, driven by Republican dissatisfaction with COVID-19 policies, highlighting the potential for a Republican resurgence in the state.

• The GOP hopes to capitalize on Trump's improved performance in 2021 and recent voter registration trends to reclaim the governorship, which has been under Democratic control since Chris Christie's unpopular departure in 2018.