Trump Asks Lakewood's Jews to Vote for Jack Ciattarelli

President Donald Trump's recent appeal to Orthodox Jewish voters in Lakewood, New Jersey, to support Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the November 4, 2025, election is a strategic move to boost turnout in a key demographic that delivered him massive margins in 2024.

Lakewood, with its large yeshiva community (~64,000 voters, up 23% since 2021), is a make-or-break area for Republicans.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I need ALL of my supporters in the Orthodox community in Lakewood and its surrounding towns to vote in HUGE numbers for Jack Ciattarelli. Lakewood delivered 90% for me last year, and your votes in this election will save New Jersey, a state that is near and dear to my heart. Jack will be a GREAT Governor, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — He will never let you down! He will cut your taxes and tremendously reduce your out-of-control and ridiculous energy costs. His opponent will double, triple, and even quadruple your Energy and other costs. GET OUT TO VOTE TOMORROW!!!”

Why Lakewood?

The township's Orthodox Jewish population (predominantly yeshiva families) turned out overwhelmingly for Trump in 2024 (88-90% support, ~32,000-vote margin). It's grown rapidly, with 64,000 voters now (up from 52,000 in 2021). Trump specifically name-checked yeshiva students who backed him, urging them to "save New Jersey" from Democratic "radical left" policies like higher taxes and energy costs, issues hitting Lakewood's budget-strapped households hard.

Timing: Posted Saturday night, it came as early voting hit records (735K+ ballots statewide), with the general election tomorrow. Ciattarelli trails Democrat Mikie Sherrill slightly (polls: 46% Sherrill, 44% Ciattarelli, 10% undecided), making turnout crucial in Ocean County (home to Lakewood).

Jack Ciattarelli's Background and Campaign-:

He's a 63 year old former N.J. Assemblyman (2011-2018), businessman, and 2021 GOP nominee (lost to Phil Murphy by 3%). A Somerville native of Italian descent, he's running for a third time, positioning as a "total and total endorsement" Trump ally after early criticisms (e.g., called him a "charlatan" in 2015). He won the June 2025 primary with 68% after Trump's May nod, beating rivals like Bill Spadea.

Platform: "America First" with N.J. twists—cut taxes, slash energy costs (key for Lakewood's infrastructure woes), secure borders, protect veterans, and advance energy independence. He pledges yeshiva busing/services, federal tuition aid, and road/grid upgrades. Democrats tie him to Trump, warning he'll "put loyalty to Trump first."

Jewish Outreach: Ciattarelli has courted Orthodox voters aggressively, endorsed by Lakewood's Vaad (October 26, 2025), promising to ease tax burdens and maintain religious freedoms. In 2021, he won Lakewood despite the Vaad backing Murphy (62% Ciattarelli).

The Race Landscape

Opponents: Democrat Mikie Sherrill (ex-Navy pilot, congresswoman) leads narrowly; Republican Curtis Sliwa (Guardian Angels founder) trails but could siphon votes.

Stakes: N.J. shifted right in 2024 (Trump up 5%), but it's blue-leaning. A Ciattarelli win flips the governorship red after 16 Democratic years, testing MAGA's coattails without Trump on the ballot.

Trump's Role: His May endorsement ("a terrific America First Candidate... 100% PLUS!") propelled Ciattarelli; this Lakewood plea is a final push, echoing 2024's Orthodox surge.

Reactions

Ciattarelli Camp: "Truly humbled... Jack will never let you down!" (via X).

Democrats: "Sends a clear signal he'll always put loyalty to Trump first" (N.J. Democratic Committee).

Jewish Community: Lakewood Vaad praised Trump's "extraordinary efforts" for yeshivas and Israel safety; turnout could add 4,700+ votes like 2021.

Media: VINnews and New Jersey Globe highlighted it as a "looming" factor; critics like Spadea called it "loomed" over primaries.