FREEHOLD, N.J. — The Monmouth County Republican Convention reaffirmed its leadership and threw its support behind Jack Ciattarelli as the party’s endorsed candidate for governor. The event, marked by high energy and strong turnout, underscored growing GOP momentum in the region.
Ciattarelli defeated Bill Spadea, getting the first official major win of the 2025 GOP election cycle.
“Thank you, Monmouth County! Even through winter weather, hundreds came out to show their support for our campaign and the strong Republican candidates running across the county. Together we are going to flip this state red,” Ciattarelli said.
Sheriff Shaun Golden, County Clerk Christine Hanlon, and Commissioners Tom Arnone and Nick DiRocco were all renominated for their respective positions.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and 2021 GOP gubernatorial nominee, secured the convention’s backing as he seeks to challenge Democratic leadership in Trenton.
His opponent, Bill Spadea has decided to skip all GOP county conventions except for Ocean County, where his paid campaign consultant, George Gilmore serves as county chair. Insiders say Spadea made that decision knowing that he was not only down in the polls against Ciattarelli but that he was also facing an uphill battle at many of the county conventions. The ex-U.S. Marine chose to instead, run from the battle for the party’s official endorsement.
The endorsements set the stage for a competitive 2025 election cycle, as Republicans aim to regain control in a state long dominated by Democrats.