TRENTON, N.J. — A Trump delegate is signaling a shift in New Jersey’s Republican primary for governor, hinting that a new “real” MAGA-aligned candidate is set to enter the race in the coming days.
The race is currently dominated by New Jersey 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea, former New Jersey Assemblymen Jack Ciattarelli, New Jersey Senator John Bramnick, and former New Jersey Senator Ed Durr.
The problem is, Spadea, Ciattarelli, and Bramnick have at some points in the past few years, opposed President Trump, called him names, mocked him, and even called for him not to run for president in 2025. Durr, who appears to be a longshot in the election, has supported the President and his agenda.
Now, a Trump delegate is heading to Washington, D.C. to discuss the next steps in putting up a ‘true’ MAGA party loyalist to run for governor in the June primary election.
Mike Crispi, a conservative commentator and former congressional candidate, announced Wednesday that while he will not be running for governor, his exploratory committee has identified a candidate who aligns closely with former President Donald Trump’s movement.
Crispi did not identify the candidate.
In a post on X, Crispi outlined the qualities of the unnamed candidate, stating they have “stood unwaveringly for President Trump and the MAGA base over the last nine years” and are positioned to unite the party and compete in November.
The announcement comes as former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and other Republicans are already campaigning for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s successor. Ciattarelli, who lost to Murphy in 2021, has received endorsements from mainstream Republicans but has faced skepticism from Trump-aligned conservatives.
Crispi said the candidate he is backing will formally announce their bid soon, setting up a potential shake-up in the primary race.