Scoop: Trump, allies to boost GOP candidate for N.J. governor
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President Trump speaks at the White House during a Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk on Tuesday. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump plans to throw the weight of his endorsement and his allies' fundraising behind Jack Ciattarelli, the GOP nominee for New Jersey governor in next month's elections, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Polls show the underdog Ciattarelli running competitively against Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, a blue state where a Ciattarelli upset would represent a major win for the Trump White House.
- The winner will replace Gov. Phil Murphy (D), who's been in office since 2018 and is limited to two terms.
The big picture: Statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia on Nov. 4 will offer a glimpse of the voters' attitudes 10 months into Trump's second term.
Zoom in: Trump is planning on hosting tele-rallies for Ciattarelli, in which he will address supporters by phone. Meanwhile, allies and surrogates to the president are helping to raise millions of dollars for a pro-Ciattarelli super PAC, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
- Senior Republican strategists say Trump could be most helpful by energizing his voters during an off year-election, when turnout is likely to be down. In recent elections, Republicans have struggled to turn out voters when Trump isn't on the ballot.
But Trump is treading carefully. He lost New Jersey to Kamala Harris last year with 46% of the vote, and Sherrill has been trying to tie Ciattarelli to the president.
- An in-person Trump visit to the state isn't currently planned, the person familiar with the discussions said.
- Ciattarelli touted his endorsement from Trump during the GOP primary, but recently has broken with the president on several policy issues, including Trump's assertion that using Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to childhood autism.
But Ciattarelli will need to turn out the president's voters in Trump-friendly areas such as Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic counties, Republican strategists say.
- Ciattarelli walked a tightrope during a debate last week. He said he would give Trump an "A" grade. But he demurred when asked whether he considered himself part of the MAGA movement, saying he was "part of a New Jersey movement."
What they're saying: "We're appreciative of all the help we've received from the president and his team so far, and grateful for any support they provide down the stretch," Ciattarelli strategist Chris Russell tells Axios.
Zoom out: Trump's team is still considering options for late involvement in Virginia, another blue-leaning state where Republicans are underdogs.
- The president's allies are most bullish on the race for Virginia attorney general, where Republican incumbent Jason Miyares is running against Democrat Jay Jones.
- Jones has been on defense after revelations that he sent text messages in which he wished death upon the children of Virginia's former state House speaker.
Trump has blasted Jones over the text messages — and those familiar with his plans say he may get more involved in the race.
- Senior Republicans say Trump is less likely to try to boost Virginia's GOP candidate for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, who has consistently trailed Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger in polls.
Some in Trump's orbit have taken steps to distance themselves from Earle-Sears.
- Trump has endorsed Miyares, but not Earle-Sears.
