Updated Jun 8, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli wins GOP gubernatorial primary in N.J.

Axios

Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for governor of New Jersey, speaks at a rally during the Republican primary election in Somerville, New Jersey, U.S., on Tuesday, June 8 — Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for governor of New Jersey, during a rally in Somerville, New Jersey, on Tuesday. Photor: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Businessman Jack Ciattarelli won the Republican nomination for governor in the New Jersey primary election Tuesday, AP reports.

Of note: The former N.J. Assembly member, who was accused of being a "never Trumper," defeated pastor Phil Rizzo and engineer Hirsh Singh, who were both vocal supporters of former President Trump, AP notes.

Ciattarelli called Trump "not fit to be president" and said he didn't vote for him in 2016, according to the Garden State Times.
But the former Goldman Sachs executive later told WPMG that Trump had "earned my faith and confidence in the sense that his policies worked for the nation."

What's next: Ciattarelli, who has previously served as U.S. ambassador to Germany, will next face incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy (D) in the gubernatorial election in November.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli wins GOP gubernatorial primary in N.J.

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