Context:

In New Jersey's gubernatorial primary, Donald Trump's influence is a significant factor despite not being on the ballot himself. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has secured Trump's endorsement, boosting his campaign as he vies for the nomination against other contenders like Bill Spadea. Spadea, though disappointed by Trump's decision, has seen a surge in grassroots support following the endorsement announcement. The Democratic primary is also competitive, with several candidates looking to succeed outgoing Governor Phil Murphy. This primary serves as an early indicator of political dynamics as both parties gear up for elections under Trump's shadow.

Dive Deeper:

• Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, is running for governor in New Jersey, having previously lost in 2017 and narrowly in 2021. His campaign has gained momentum with Trump's endorsement, which he considers a significant advantage.

• Bill Spadea, a conservative talk radio host, is another prominent GOP candidate who has openly expressed disappointment over Trump's endorsement of Ciattarelli. He argues that he is a true conservative and questions Ciattarelli's loyalty to Trump.

• Despite not receiving Trump's endorsement, Spadea's campaign has experienced a boost in low-dollar donations and volunteer enthusiasm, indicating strong grassroots support. He believes Trump made a mistake in endorsing Ciattarelli.

• The Democratic primary features several major contenders, including Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and others. This race is crucial for the party as it seeks to recover from previous electoral setbacks.

• Trump's presence is felt in both party primaries, described as a 'MAGA battle' by the Democratic Governors Association. The GOP candidates' alignment with Trump is seen as a key factor in the primary's outcome.

• New Jersey's gubernatorial elections have historically been competitive, with Republicans winning six of the last eleven races. This election cycle is viewed as a test of Trump's influence on state politics.

• The primaries are happening amidst significant events in New Jersey, such as FAA system outages and transit strikes, which have kept the state in the national spotlight. This political climate adds another layer to the election dynamics.