New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli received an unexpected emotional boost before Tuesday’s election when his son, Army Officer Jake Ciattarelli, surprised him during a campaign event. The visit occurred at Murph’s Tavern in northern New Jersey, where Ciattarelli was rallying voters.
Passaic County Republican Chairman Peter Murphy announced the surprise, stating, “You don’t know what I’m going to say right now, but your biggest supporter who serves his country just came over overnight to serve you.” The crowd erupted in cheers and chants of “USA” as Ciattarelli embraced his son.
Ciattarelli humorously remarked on the timing, joking, “Now let me guess, you called the president yesterday. He sent Air Force One over to Kuwait and picked up Jack.” He also teased that Jake would likely return to Kuwait shortly to continue his service. The candidate noted Jake’s absence from voting in person, quipping, “He probably forgot to get in his vote-by-mail ballot. He’s here to vote.”
Jake Ciattarelli, a captain serving since late 2023, plans to stay in the U.S. through Thursday to support his father. The pair has previously shared moments of pride, including a photo of Jake pointing to a “New Jersey Ave” sign in the Middle East.
Ciattarelli faces Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill in a tightly contested race. While polls suggest Sherrill holds a 5-point lead, Ciattarelli claims his internal data shows a dead heat. Early voting has surged statewide, with over 600,000 voters casting ballots—tripling the 2021 figure.
The election also hinges on urban Democratic turnout and the outcome of Passaic County’s mail-in ballot process, where federal monitors have been deployed amid concerns over fraud. Democrats have criticized the move as voter suppression.
With both candidates making final pushes, the race remains unpredictable as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
