BREAKING: Trump Endorses Jack Ciattarelli — But Spadea Supporters Say “Not So Fast”

In a high-profile twist in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race, President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for Governor. The announcement, which came as a surprise to many grassroots conservatives, was celebrated by Ciattarelli loyalists — but met with skepticism and renewed determination from supporters of rival candidate Bill Spadea.

While Trump’s endorsement may have elevated Ciattarelli in establishment circles, many conservatives in New Jersey haven’t forgotten Ciattarelli’s past criticisms of Trump. In 2015, Ciattarelli called Trump a “charlatan” and publicly stated that he was “not fit to be President.” His attempt to walk back those statements during the 2021 gubernatorial race raised eyebrows, as did his participation in a “Stop the Steal” rally — which he later distanced himself from, claiming ignorance about its nature. Voters are questioning: Is Ciattarelli truly aligned with America First values, or is he simply shifting with the political winds?

Meanwhile, Bill Spadea, a former U.S. Marine and conservative radio personality, has built a strong and unwavering base of supporters who see him as the true fighter for working-class New Jerseyans. Unlike Ciattarelli, Spadea has been a consistent supporter of Donald Trump since the very beginning. His campaign has focused on real conservative reform — tackling New Jersey’s broken immigration policies, supporting law enforcement, and demanding transparency in state government.

His endorsement by former State Senator Ed Durr, known for his unexpected victory over a powerful Democrat in 2021, underscores Spadea’s appeal among conservative constituents.

Spadea’s movement also received a major boost with the endorsement of General Michael Flynn, a respected figure among constitutional conservatives and a former National Security Advisor under President Trump. Flynn’s endorsement sends a strong signal that Spadea represents the America First wing of the GOP — not the political class.

The Trump endorsement of Ciattarelli may have disappointed many, but it hasn’t deterred Spadea’s base — it’s fired them up. “President Trump is human. He made a mistake — and we’re going to prove it,” one supporter wrote online. “This only motivates us to work harder, organize smarter, and show everyone that New Jersey is ready for a true conservative governor.”

President Donald Trump has endorsed numerous candidates across various election cycles. While many of his endorsements have led to victories, several high-profile candidates he supported did not secure wins in their respective races. Here’s a list of notable Trump-endorsed candidates who lost their elections:

🗳️ Notable Trump-Endorsed Candidates Who Lost Elections

2022 Midterm Elections

Mehmet Oz (Pennsylvania Senate) A celebrity doctor, Oz lost to Democrat John Fetterman in a closely watched race.

Herschel Walker (Georgia Senate) The former football star was defeated by incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock in a runoff election.

Blake Masters (Arizona Senate) Masters lost to Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly in a competitive race.

Don Bolduc (New Hampshire Senate) A retired Army brigadier general, Bolduc was defeated by Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan. 

Doug Mastriano (Pennsylvania Governor) Mastriano, a state senator, lost to Democrat Josh Shapiro in the gubernatorial race. 

Kari Lake (Arizona Governor) The former news anchor was narrowly defeated by Democrat Katie Hobbs. 

Dan Cox (Maryland Governor) Cox lost to Democrat Wes Moore in a decisive election.

Darren Bailey (Illinois Governor) Bailey was defeated by incumbent Democrat J.B. Pritzker.

John Gibbs (Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District) Gibbs lost to Democrat Hillary Scholten after defeating incumbent Republican Peter Meijer in the primary. 

Bo Hines (North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District) Hines was defeated by Democrat Wiley Nickel in a competitive district.

Sarah Palin (Alaska’s At-Large Congressional District) The former vice-presidential candidate lost to Democrat Mary Peltola in a special election.

Earlier Elections

Roy Moore (Alabama Senate Special Election, 2017) Moore lost to Democrat Doug Jones in a traditionally Republican state.

Luther Strange (Alabama Senate Primary, 2017) Despite Trump’s endorsement, Strange lost the Republican primary to Roy Moore. 

Ed Gillespie (Virginia Governor, 2017) Gillespie was defeated by Democrat Ralph Northam in the gubernatorial race.

Matt Bevin (Kentucky Governor, 2019) Incumbent Governor Bevin lost to Democrat Andy Beshear in a close election.

These outcomes highlight that while Trump’s endorsement can significantly influence Republican primaries, it does not always guarantee success in general elections. Factors such as candidate quality, campaign strategy, and alignment with the broader electorate play crucial roles in electoral outcomes.

As the primary draws closer, the divide between the establishment-backed Ciattarelli and the grassroots-fueled Spadea couldn’t be more clear. This race isn’t just about who wins the nomination — it’s about the future of the Republican Party in New Jersey.

The fight continues. And for many, it’s just getting started. We pray the President reconsiders his endorsement and looks deeply into who Bill Spadea really is as a candidate, and not listen to the established insiders whispering in his ears.