Embracing the Red State Appeal: New Jersey’s Strategic Shift” This title captures the essence of New Jersey’s movement towards adopting policies aligned with red states and highlights the strategic nature of the shift, making it attractive and engaging f

(Saddle Brook, New Jersey) Separated from the island of Manhattan by the Hudson River, Bergen County has long been a Democratic stronghold, in addition to being the most populous in New Jersey with its approximately 957,000 inhabitants. But Everett Garnto, mayor of one of its 72 municipalities, is among the voters who are now threatening this tradition.

Published at 7:00 a.m.

On September 4, this former police officer abandoned the Democratic Party and announced his support for Jack Ciattarelli, Republican candidate for governor of New Jersey, one of the most important issues in the elections held in the United States on November 4.

And his prediction on the outcome of this election is enough to worry his former party.

“He’s going to win by six or eight points,” the Garfield mayor said outside a diner of Saddle Brook, a neighboring municipality, where the Republican candidate was expected on a recent October evening with Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the stars of the MAGA movement.

“When I came to support Mr. Ciattarelli, he was 10 points behind. And you know what? I think he is in the lead today. »

In fact, the polling average still gives a modest lead to Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019.

PHOTO HEATHER KHALIFA, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS

Democrat Mikie Sherrill during the final gubernatorial debate against Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Brunswick, New Jersey, October 8

But no one doubts that New Jersey’s electorate is increasingly red. In Bergen County, for example, Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by 81,550 votes in 2020. Four years later, Kamala Harris won in the same place by just 13,993 votes.

PHOTO RICHARD HÉTU, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

Everett Garnto, Mayor of Garfield, New Jersey

There was a time, even during the last presidential campaign, when people were afraid to wear a Trump hat in New Jersey. Now we see them everywhere.

Everett Garnto, Mayor of Garfield, New Jersey

A state barometer

Hence the question that hangs over the November 4 elections: will New Jersey go MAGA or, at least, red?

Usually, media attention is focused more on Virginia during these electoral meetings held a year after the presidential election. This southern state, where the post of governor is also at stake, then becomes a barometer used to measure the popularity of the president and predict the outcome of the mid-term elections the following year.

However, in 2025, this role is held by New Jersey, a blue state in the Northeast where the race is closer than in Virginia.

PHOTO HEATHER KHALIFA, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS

Republican Jack Ciattarelli during the debate in New Brunswick, New Jersey, October 8

And these days, Democratic defections in favor of Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former elected official who is running for governor of the state for the third time, are not going unnoticed.

“You haven’t seen a wave of enthusiasm, a wave of support from Democratic leaders like myself, like this in contemporary times,” said Jamel Holley, on the sidelines of a citizens’ assembly held by Jack Ciattarelli at a bar in Elizabeth, the seat of Union County.

PHOTO RICHARD HÉTU, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

Jamel Holley, former Democratic member of the New Jersey Assembly

I’m talking about officials coming out of Democratic strongholds to support Jack. We have never seen this. [Chris] Christie did not have as much momentum and enthusiasm among Democrats. People want change after 16 years of Democratic power in Trenton [capitale du New Jersey].

Jamel Holley, former Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly

This former black elected official served in the New Jersey Assembly from 2015 to 2022 after becoming, at age 30, the youngest mayor of Roselle, another municipality in Union County.

Jack Ciatterelli wants to become the first Republican governor of New Jersey since Chris Christie, winner of a first term in 2009. In 2021, this businessman lost by only three points to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who cannot seek a third term.

Courting Latinos

His presence in Elizabeth, one of New Jersey’s 29 majority-Hispanic municipalities, was unusual for a Republican candidate. It reflected a shift in approach inspired by the significant gains Donald Trump made in 2024 among the state’s Latinos, who make up 22% of the electorate.

“When you’re taken for granted, that’s exploitation,” Jack Ciattarelli said after noting that Hispanic- and Black-owned businesses receive less than 1 percent of all government contracts in New Jersey.

His remarks pleased Silvia Echevarria, owner of a small business, who was among the hundred people who came to speak with the Republican candidate in this bar in Elizabeth.

Democrats have failed our communities. Latinos are used to voting for them, but they are disappointed by the lack of concrete results. Many of us will be tempted to vote for Jack Ciattarelli. We want things to change.

Silvia Echevarria, merchant from Elizabeth, New Jersey

Jack Ciatterelli’s speech is a far cry from Donald Trump’s on racial equity and other topics, including illegal immigration. While praising the president’s handling of the southern border, the Republican candidate recently expressed opposition to the expulsion of illegal immigrants who have not committed crimes. He also said he was in favor of a “pathway to recognition,” a concept he described as a first step toward citizenship.

Obviously, he is engaging in a balancing act in a state where Donald Trump is far from unanimous. He himself has already been very critical of the occupant of the White House. In December 2015, he described him as “a charlatan” who “is not fit to hold the presidency.”

The return of plastic bags

However, last May, this same politician said he was “truly touched and honored” by the support of Donald Trump.

PHOTO RACHEL WISNIEWSKI, ARCHIVES THE NEW YORK TIMES

A cake decorated with an image of Jack Ciattarelli and Donald Trump together, as supporters of Mr. Ciattarelli celebrate his victory in the Republican primary June 10 in Holmdel, New Jersey.

That said, he hardly mentions the president in his speeches, except to mock his Democratic rival’s incessant criticism of him.

“Going home tonight, if you get a flat tire, she’s going to want to blame President Trump,” he says, inevitably eliciting bursts of laughter.

In the diner of Saddle Brook, he also hit the mark with one of his promises, which he mentioned after presenting his solution to reduce the amount of electricity bills, the sharp rise in which has become a major theme of the campaign.

“I could say I’m going to cut taxes, and I’d get a big round of applause. I say I’m going to bring back the plastic bags, and that’s a big deal,” he said in the crowded establishment.

The theme of crime is another one that the Republican candidate insists on and which comes up in the criticisms that his supporters address to the Democrats. The same goes for property taxes, a perennial issue in New Jersey.

Now added to these themes are questions related to sexual orientation and identity.

PHOTO RICHARD HÉTU, SPECIAL COLLABORATION

Rex Campbell

“I have four grandchildren and I don’t want them to be exposed to LGBTQ ideology,” said Rex Campbell, defining himself as “MAGA in the truest sense of the word”, before the arrival of Jack Ciatterelli in the diner de Saddle Brook.

“Mikie Sherrill agrees that schools should allow children to change their name or gender without informing parents. This is madness. And that’s one of the reasons New Jersey will turn red on November 4th. »

New Jersey

Population
9.5 million inhabitants

Capital
Trenton

2024 presidential election
Democrat Kamala Harris: 2,220,713 votes (51.97%)
Republican Donald Trump: 1,968,215 votes (46.06%)

Poll average (RealClearPolitics)
Democrat Mikie Sherrill: 48.1%
Republican Jack Ciattarelli: 44%

How might the “Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners Act” impact long-term state revenue streams?

Embracing the Red State Appeal: New Jersey’s Strategic Shift

The Changing Political Landscape in the garden State

New Jersey, historically a reliably blue state, is undergoing a subtle but notable political realignment. This isn’t a complete ideological overhaul, but a strategic adaptation to shifting demographics, economic pressures, and a growing dissatisfaction with certain progressive policies. This shift,frequently enough termed “embracing the red state appeal,” involves adopting policies traditionally associated with conservative states,aiming to broaden appeal and address concerns of a wider voter base. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for anyone following state-level politics, economic progress in New Jersey, or the broader national political trends.

Key Policy Areas Witnessing the Shift

Several key areas demonstrate this strategic pivot. These aren’t wholesale adoptions, but nuanced adjustments reflecting a pragmatic approach to governance.

* Tax Policy: New Jersey has long been known for its high property taxes. Recent initiatives,including property tax relief programs and attempts to cap spending,echo conservative arguments for fiscal obligation and lower tax burdens. The focus on attracting businesses through tax incentives, while not new, is being framed more explicitly around competitiveness with lower-tax states.

* Economic Development & Business Regulations: A move away from stringent environmental regulations (while maintaining core protections) and streamlining the permitting process for businesses are gaining traction. This aims to attract companies from states with more business-kind climates, boosting job creation and economic growth. The emphasis is on “responsible development” – a phrase frequently used to bridge the gap between environmental concerns and economic needs.

* Criminal Justice Reform – A Reassessment: While New Jersey initially embraced aspects of criminal justice reform, ther’s been a noticeable pullback in certain areas.Concerns about rising crime rates, particularly in urban centers, have led to calls for tougher sentencing guidelines and increased funding for law enforcement. This reflects a national trend and resonates with voters prioritizing public safety.

* Education – Parental Rights & Curriculum Debate: Similar to debates unfolding in other states, New jersey is seeing increased discussion around parental rights in education and curriculum content.While not as extreme as some red state battles, there’s growing pressure to ensure openness and parental involvement in school decisions.

* Energy Policy – Balancing Green Initiatives with Reliability: New Jersey’s commitment to renewable energy remains strong,but there’s a growing recognition of the need for energy reliability and affordability. This has led to a more cautious approach to phasing out fossil fuels and a greater emphasis on exploring all energy sources, including natural gas, to ensure a stable energy supply.

Demographic Shifts Driving the Change

The changing demographics of new Jersey are a major catalyst for this shift.

* In-Migration from Conservative States: An influx of residents from states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida – often seeking affordability or a different lifestyle – is bringing conservative viewpoints into the state.

* Suburbanization & Shifting Voter Alignments: The growth of suburban areas, traditionally swing voters, is contributing to a more moderate electorate. These voters are frequently enough focused on issues like property taxes, school quality, and public safety – concerns that transcend traditional party lines.

* The Rise of Self-reliant Voters: New Jersey has a significant and growing number of independent voters who are not beholden to either party. Politicians are increasingly tailoring their messages to appeal to this crucial demographic.

Economic Considerations & Competitive Advantage

New Jersey faces intense economic competition from states with lower taxes and fewer regulations. The “red state appeal” strategy is, in part, an attempt to level the playing field.

* Attracting Businesses: Lowering the cost of doing business is seen as essential to attracting companies and creating jobs.

* Retaining Residents: High property taxes and cost of living are driving residents to leave the state.Addressing these concerns is crucial to retaining the tax base.

* Boosting Economic Growth: A more business-friendly environment is expected to stimulate economic growth and improve the state’s overall financial health.

Case Study: the Recent Property Tax relief Efforts

In 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the “Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners Act,” a property tax relief program offering direct payments to homeowners. While framed as a progressive measure to help working families, the program aligns with long-standing conservative calls for property tax relief. This demonstrates a willingness to compromise and address concerns across the political spectrum. The program, while debated for its long-term fiscal impact, was widely praised for providing immediate relief to homeowners.

The Risks and Challenges of This Approach

This strategic shift isn’t without its risks.

* Alienating the Democratic Base: Adopting policies traditionally associated with the right could alienate core Democratic voters and activists.

* Compromising Core Values: Balancing economic competitiveness with environmental protection and social justice concerns requires careful navigation.

* Political Backlash: Opponents could accuse politicians of abandoning their principles or pandering to conservative interests.

Measuring the Impact: Voter Trends & Election Results

Analyzing recent election results and voter registration trends provides insights into the effectiveness of this strategy. While New Jersey remains