Republican Primary Heats Up: Bill Spadea and Jack Ciattarelli Battle for GOP Nomination

As New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race intensifies, two prominent Republican figures have emerged as leading contenders: Bill Spadea and Jack Ciattarelli. Their contrasting backgrounds and visions for the state have not only highlighted ideological divides but have also sparked notable infighting within the New Jersey GOP, reflecting tensions between establishment Republicans and anti-establishment factions.

Bill Spadea: The Outsider’s Voice

Bill Spadea is a multifaceted personality, known for his roles as an entrepreneur, media figure, and staunch advocate for middle-class families. He gained prominence as the host of New Jersey 101.5 FM’s morning drive talk show, where he engaged listeners on pressing state issues. Additionally, Spadea hosted Chasing News with Bill Spadea, a program that aired on FOX TV affiliates in New York City and Philadelphia, further cementing his status in regional media.

Spadea’s political journey includes a stint as a political strategist and analyst. In 2004, he ventured into electoral politics as the Republican nominee for New Jersey’s 12th congressional district but was unsuccessful in his bid.

Positioning himself as a political outsider, Spadea’s gubernatorial platform emphasizes challenging both liberal policies and what he perceives as complacency among establishment Republicans. He advocates for parental rights in education, expressing concerns over certain curricula, and seeks to mobilize grassroots support to “take New Jersey back.” His platform also includes lowering property taxes, improving infrastructure, and reforming state government to reduce corruption and waste.

Jack Ciattarelli: The Experienced Entrepreneur

Jack Ciattarelli’s roots run deep in New Jersey. Born in Somerville and raised in Raritan, he is a lifelong resident of the state. An alumnus of Seton Hall University, Ciattarelli holds a degree in accounting and an MBA, and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

His professional career is marked by entrepreneurial success, having founded two Main Street businesses in New Jersey. Ciattarelli’s political tenure includes serving in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2011 to 2018, representing the 16th legislative district. He previously held the position of assistant minority whip during his legislative service.

This marks Ciattarelli’s third gubernatorial bid; he previously ran in 2017 and secured the Republican nomination in 2021, though he was defeated by incumbent Governor Phil Murphy. His platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and education reform, aiming to leverage his legislative and business experience to address New Jersey’s challenges. He has also emphasized cutting taxes, increasing transparency in state government, and improving New Jersey’s business climate to attract more investment and jobs.

GOP Infighting: Establishment vs. Anti-Establishment

The rivalry between Spadea and Ciattarelli has underscored a deeper rift within the New Jersey Republican Party. Spadea’s outsider stance appeals to anti-establishment Republicans who are disillusioned with traditional party leadership. His critiques often target both Democratic policies and Republicans he views as insufficiently conservative or ineffective.

Conversely, Ciattarelli is seen as an establishment figure, with endorsements from mainstream party members and a track record in state politics. This dichotomy has led to factionalism within the party, with debates over the direction and ideology that the GOP should embrace in the upcoming election.

Accusations and Campaign Tensions

The primary battle has been marked by mutual accusations. Spadea has criticized Ciattarelli for his previous electoral defeats, questioning his ability to galvanize voters and effect change. He portrays Ciattarelli as emblematic of a Republican establishment that has struggled to reclaim the governor’s office.

In response, Ciattarelli’s supporters have raised concerns about Spadea’s qualifications, pointing to his lack of legislative experience and questioning the feasibility of his policy proposals. They argue that his media background, while notable, may not translate into effective governance.

Adding fuel to the fire, recent rumors circulating on social media have accused Ciattarelli of making a backdoor deal with none other than Union City Democratic Mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack. Senator Stack has a history of supporting figures outside party lines, including former Governor Chris Christie.

Christie, during his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, prosecuted over 130 government officials for charges ranging from corruption to misuse of public funds. It has long been speculated that Stack was on Christie’s target list but avoided prosecution after allegedly agreeing to deliver Hudson County votes in Christie’s favor, which significantly helped him secure the governorship.

Now, with the growing likelihood that New Jersey’s next governor could be a Republican, speculation is swirling that Stack may be working to position himself advantageously by striking a similar deal with Ciattarelli. The allegations suggest that Stack’s political influence and ability to secure votes in Hudson County could provide Ciattarelli with a significant advantage in both the primary and general election.

Neither Ciattarelli nor Stack have publicly addressed these rumors, but the potential implications of such an alliance have raised questions about Ciattarelli’s independence and the broader political strategy behind his campaign. Accusations from both sides continue to grow as the campaigns heats up, to list them all in this article will come close to writing a book.

A Pivotal Choice for New Jersey Republicans

As the primary approaches, New Jersey Republicans face a pivotal choice between two distinct visions for the party’s future. Spadea’s outsider populism represents a challenge to both Democratic dominance and Republican orthodoxy, while Ciattarelli’s experienced, policy-driven approach seeks to offer stability and practical governance.

The outcome of this primary will not only determine the GOP’s gubernatorial nominee but also signal the broader ideological direction of the party in the state. With tensions running high and accusations flying, the stakes for New Jersey’s Republican Party — and the state’s political future — could not be higher.

After Governor Phil Murphy failed tenure as Governor, it is very likely New Jersey next Governor will be a Republican.