LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli bolstered his campaign Monday, earning endorsements from prominent Ocean County figures, including former state Sen. Chris Connors, former Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove, and a coalition of five Republican mayors from Long Beach Island municipalities.
The mayors—Joseph Mancini of Long Beach Township, Kirk Larson of Barnegat Light, Francis Hodgson Sr. of Surf City, William Huelsenbeck of Ship Bottom, and Colleen Lambert of Beach Haven—praised Ciattarelli’s understanding of coastal issues, citing his commitment to protecting shore communities and his opposition to offshore wind turbines. “Jack Ciattarelli understands our shore communities because he’s one of us,” the group said in a joint statement.
Connors, a long-serving state legislator, emphasized Ciattarelli’s qualifications and alignment with conservative values. “Jack gets it. He’s a small business owner, a CPA, and a true Jersey guy. He knows what needs to be done to make this state more affordable,” Connors said, adding, “He will make a fantastic Governor and he has my full support.”
Gove echoed Connors’ sentiment, emphasizing Ciattarelli’s conservative credentials. “Jack Ciattarelli is the real deal—a proven conservative who can’t be bought and won’t back down,” she said, underscoring his focus on affordability and opposition to special interests.