This news story is part of a continuing series of articles in The Jewish Link, in which we will interview each of the leading candidates running for governor of the State of New Jersey, to be elected in November 2025.

This week we will take a closer look at Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican candidate for governor in 2025 who ran against and narrowly lost to Governor Phil Murphy in 2021.

Ciattarelli began his career in public service as a borough council member and continued as mayor of Raritan Township, a two-term Somerset County freeholder, and a three-term New Jersey State assemblyman. The first member of his family to go to college, he attended Seton Hall University, went on to earn an MBA and became a CPA. He eventually established two successful medical publishing businesses (one in Englishtown, the other in Somerville) and built a family: He has four children.

The Jewish Link interviewed Ciattarelli at the Bridge Turkish and Mediterranean Grill in Highland Park on August 28. This interview has been edited for space constraints.

What inspires you to run for governor of New Jersey?

New Jersey has been home for my family for over 100 years. My grandparents arrived here from Valentano, Italy, in their 20s. My grandfather worked as a contractor for the water company, working on water infrastructure. My parents owned a restaurant and bar in Raritan Township. My brother and sister both work in business.

We’ve all done well here but I realize that the state has some significant challenges. I want New Jersey to be a place where people can be confident that they can achieve their American dream.

Yet when asked, two of out three New Jerseyans say they are looking to leave the state. My campaign is about restoring faith in New Jersey, so people can have faith that they can build a family, start a business, retire in comfort, and live the American dream in New Jersey.

What is your leadership style?

I take a very collaborative approach to decision making, but I am not afraid to exercise executive privilege when needed. A leader must articulate a vision to improve people’s quality of life. My leadership style also focuses on inspiring and motivating people to achieve common goals.

I have strong experience as a CEO and I believe that New Jersey desperately needs a hands-on CEO. And that CEO must articulate a vision that motivates people.

Please identify three to four accomplishments in your role as Assemblyman or as a business owner that you are most proud to share.

I’m most proud that I won election three times in a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans. And in my time as assemblyman, we took great pride in our constituent services.

As a business owner, my proudest accomplishment was creating jobs, so people could take care of themselves and their families, by using the income they earned.

What are the three biggest problems facing the State of New Jersey now?

Our taxes, on businesses and individuals, are way too high. According to the Tax Foundation, we have the highest overall tax burden in the nation.

Public safety is not where it should be. We have to get back to supporting our law enforcement, to allow them to do their jobs, to keep our communities safe.

Public education is lacking. We need to get back to teaching basic life skills. Kids must be better prepared for life after graduation, especially if they are not
planning to go to college. We have to get back to the basics. I find that when I share this view at my town halls, many people will nod in agreement.

There are also specific top concerns in different communities. In the Jewish community, we see the highest level of antisemitism in a long time. On the Jersey Shore, many residents express concerns about the wind farms planned there. And in suburban communities, I hear rising alarm about overdevelopment and the affordable housing forced on their towns.

Can you suggest new tactics to fight the rising tide of antisemitism in New Jersey?

We need to do better. Any community that feels threatened, the governor must go there, spend time with the local police chief and other leaders, and leverage social media to demonstrate concern.

One area where we can do better is to reactivate the Governor’s Interfaith Council. Why has Governor Murphy let this group lapse? They used to meet quarterly. Through the use of digital platforms, this group sends a powerful message and demonstrates ongoing contacts.

We should also be supporting law enforcement, to allow them to do their jobs, to keep us safe. We’ve seen a rise in break-ins, and in car thefts, yet we’ve handcuffed our police by discouraging high-speed chases, no-knock warrants and other techniques. Local law enforcement need to know that their political leaders have their back.

One other thing—we need to show zero tolerance for hate. We must call things for what they are. “Genocide for Jews” is wrong in any context. If we see an antisemitic act, we should call it for what it is. When Governor Murphy was asked about what was happening on college campuses, he said, “It’s complicated.” I don’t think it’s complicated at all.

How would you handle the anti-Israel/antisemitic rallies, often with harassing behaviors, on college campuses and in high schools?

When any group is targeted or made to feel unsafe, that must be dealt with. If students break the law, they should be arrested. Any student who is here on a student visa and breaks the law, they should be sent back to where they came from. As governor, I intend to make this message very clear to university presidents.

Which leaders have you worked with in New Jersey Jewish communities and would consider as your top advisers on Jewish communal concerns?

I am the only candidate in the governor’s race with a rabbi in my inner circle. Rabbi Avi Richler, an Orthodox rabbi from Gloucester County, is extremely well-connected throughout the state. Through his connections, he has given me great access to the Jewish communities in Teaneck, Linden, Toms River, Jackson, Lakewood and other towns. He advises me on issues of concern to the Jewish community, such as the need for school vouchers. With his help, we did quite well in Jewish communities in 2021; we got 70% of the vote in Lakewood.

Would you consider visiting Israel during the campaign or in your first six months in office, to better understand the issues that animate many Jewish community members?

A highlight of my 2021 campaign was visiting Israel. I met with business leaders in Tel Aviv, met with religious leaders in Jerusalem, and spent a day with civic and military leaders in Sderot, where I learned how the Iron Dome works. A week before, a missile from Gaza killed a 5-year-old boy; I visited the parents and sat with them. I plan to go back during the campaign in 2025 and I’m also considering a family trip. With the increase in antisemitism and the conflict in Gaza, a trip is more important than ever.

Would you advocate for increasing the funds available from the Department of Homeland Security to houses of worship in New Jersey?

If people are threatened or unsafe, for any reason, my job as governor is to protect them. If that means more funds in the state budget, or securing more federal Homeland Security funds, or securing a greater law enforcement presence, then so be it. When I think of the role of government, is there any responsibility greater than to keep our citizens safe? I don’t think so.

Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback.