Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for governor in New Jersey, issued a call this week to New York City residents and entrepreneurs, urging them to consider relocating across the Hudson River in light of Zohran Mamdani’s win in the city’s Democratic primary.
“To all the residents and business owners of New York City who don’t want a socialist, defund the police, antisemitic mayor representing them, I encourage you to move to New Jersey,” Ciattarelli declared in a social media post, as Mamdani’s victory appeared inevitable, according to Politico.
He went on to promise significant policy reforms if he wins the governorship this fall. “When I win the governorship in 4+ months, we’re going to transform NJ into a beacon of commonsense, affordability, economic opportunity, and law and order,” he said, describing Mamdani’s win as “proof that the modern Democratic Party has lost its mind.”
Ciattarelli also warned that should Mamdani eventually secure the governor’s seat in New York, the ripple effects could be felt in neighboring states. He pledged to take a firm approach if elected: “Proactive” measures, he said, would be necessary to prevent “the lawlessness and chaos that will ensue” under Mamdani’s leadership.
Highlighting the contrast between his own agenda and that of progressive Democrats, Ciattarelli criticized the policies he associates with the far left. “While NJ Democrats roll over to their extreme far-left base, I will take action to protect New Jersey,” he wrote. He also slammed Mamdani and his allies, saying, “While Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, and his far-left allies push socialist handouts paid for with massive tax increases on working people, I will overhaul NJ’s tax system – lowering and capping property taxes, reducing income & biz taxes, and making NJ affordable.”
Addressing foreign policy from a state-level perspective, Ciattarelli drew a sharp line on Israel. “As Mamdani and his allies attack Israel and push the BDS [Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions] movement, I will expand NJ’s economic collaboration and partnership with Israel’s government and the business community,” he promised.
Others in the GOP also weighed in following Mamdani’s win. Billy Prempeh, a frequent Republican congressional candidate, even joked that Staten Island should break away from New York and join New Jersey instead.
Meanwhile, the Republican Governors Association issued a statement challenging Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey. The group questioned her stance on the rise of Democratic Socialists, stating that she “must decide if she is jumping on board with the Democratic Socialist movement. Voters across the tri-state area are begging to know.”
Sherrill responded by distancing herself from Mamdani while still aligning herself with his supporters’ concerns. “Plenty of disagreements with Mr. Mamdani,” she noted, adding that she does share “his voters’ goals of making life more affordable.”
Refocusing attention on her Republican opponent, Sherrill said, “I’m focused on my race and bringing costs down in New Jersey, while Jack Ciattarelli represents politics as usual: a 100% MAGA lackey who has voted to raise taxes at every level of government, and has been running for office since before my kids were born.”
{Matzav.com}