Ciattarelli Secures Coveted Trump Endorsement
Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s hotly contested Republican gubernatorial primary on May 12. Ciattarelli, a Somerville native who once harshly criticized Trump—calling him a "charlatan"—has since shifted his stance and emerged as a frontrunner. His main competitor, former conservative radio host Bill Spadea of Princeton, had also sought Trump’s support, but the endorsement ultimately went to Ciattarelli, who Trump now calls a “terrific America First candidate.”
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump praised Ciattarelli’s full embrace of the MAGA movement, asserting the candidate would work closely with the Trump Administration to promote the “America First” agenda. The endorsement solidifies Ciattarelli’s position as the presumptive nominee, particularly following a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll showing him with a double-digit lead over Spadea. State Sen. Jon Bramnick trails far behind in third place.
Despite Spadea's vocal alignment with Trump’s platform and a high-profile radio interview with the former president last year, Trump ultimately backed the candidate with broader institutional support and stronger polling numbers. Ciattarelli responded with gratitude on X, emphasizing the need to unite the Republican Party and pledging to make New Jersey more affordable and secure if elected governor.
Democratic Gubernatorial Hopefuls Clash in Latest Debate
During a Monday night debate sponsored by New Jersey Globe, five Democratic candidates vying to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy avoided direct criticism of the governor but repeatedly pointed to the state’s ongoing challenges under his leadership. Former Senate President Steve Sweeney condemned the state’s inefficient governance and labeled NJ Transit a “train wreck,” while Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop criticized Murphy’s appointments and described the Board of Public Utilities as a “dumping ground for politicians.” Though Murphy remains broadly popular, the candidates’ remarks suggested a desire to differentiate themselves from his administration as they prepare for a competitive June 10 primary.
While none of the candidates explicitly attacked Murphy, they highlighted policy gaps and areas of dissatisfaction, particularly around transit labor negotiations, housing, and economic equity. Congressman Josh Gottheimer acknowledged Murphy's accomplishments but said tax reform remains lacking. Rep. Mikie Sherrill commended the governor’s business initiatives while pledging to prioritize housing. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka praised Murphy’s progressive record but expressed frustration with the lack of investment in communities of color. Sweeney, reiterating a previous “C” grade he gave Murphy, said the state faces significant fiscal challenges and called for urgent reforms to address looming budgetary shortfalls.
The debate also revealed tension among the candidates themselves. Baraka criticized Sherrill’s housing strategy as derivative and argued Gottheimer’s tax policies favored the wealthy, while Gottheimer pointed to property tax hikes in Newark. Sweeney dismissed Fulop’s proposal for retaliatory congestion pricing against New York as “crazy.” Despite these exchanges, the tone remained relatively civil. With two more debates scheduled before the primary, the race remains fluid as Democrats aim to define their platforms—and distinguish themselves from both the outgoing governor and potential Republican challengers.
With Strike Looming, NJ Transit and Union Head to Mediation
Leaders from NJ Transit and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) are set to meet in Washington this week for mediation as a potential strike looms for May 16. Tensions escalated during dueling press conferences in Newark, where NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri questioned the mental health of local union leader Tom Haas, sparking backlash. The union, which has been without a contract since before the pandemic, overwhelmingly rejected a March agreement that would have raised engineer wages to $49.82 per hour, prompting the current standoff.
Union leaders argue the proposed wage increase still lags behind comparable agencies like the Long Island Railroad, which is about to renegotiate its contracts. Haas and NJ Transit exchanged provocative proposals that neither side considers realistic, highlighting the deep divide. While Haas made a rare public appearance to defend his position, Kolluri has taken a more public role since becoming CEO in January, including testifying before lawmakers and holding regular briefings.
The upcoming mediation, led by a member of the National Mediation Board, has limited authority and cannot prevent a strike—only Congress can intervene. As the strike date nears, BLET is launching a cable ad campaign targeting NJ Transit’s recent costly investments, including a new headquarters, accusing the agency of prioritizing vanity projects over fair pay. The outcome of next week’s talks will be critical in determining whether the strike proceeds, potentially paralyzing train service for thousands of commuters.
Speaker Coughlin Addresses ‘Real Fight’ over Energy Rates
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin is prioritizing energy affordability as New Jersey residents brace for summer rate hikes. He attributes the rising costs to a supply-demand imbalance and is focused on immediate rate relief efforts, including utilizing state funds and urging utilities to develop mitigation plans. Coughlin views energy affordability as part of broader cost-of-living concerns, aligning it with initiatives like property tax cuts and ANCHOR rebates.
To address long-term energy challenges, Assembly Democrats are advancing legislation aimed at curbing utility profits and exploring new power sources, including a proposed $5 million study on small modular nuclear reactors. Coughlin is also critical of PJM, the regional grid operator, for delays in approving energy projects, particularly solar. While some lawmakers have floated the idea of leaving PJM, Coughlin says all options are on the table but stresses that immediate withdrawal isn't realistic.
Republicans, meanwhile, are forming their own energy task force, accusing Democrats of mismanaging the crisis by overemphasizing clean energy and neglecting supply issues. Coughlin dismissed the move as political posturing and defended New Jersey’s clean energy goals, including offshore wind and Murphy’s 2035 clean energy target. He acknowledged the path forward may not be linear but emphasized the importance of long-term planning and energy independence for the state.
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