Jack Ciattarelli, the leading contender for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in New Jersey, made a significant stop in Lakewood on Monday, engaging with the township’s vibrant Jewish community. Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Governor Phil Murphy in the 2021 election, visited several key locations where he met with local residents, prominent askanim, and community activists, reinforcing his connection to this influential voting bloc.
During his visit, Ciattarelli stopped by the Lakewood Matza Bakery, where he interacted with workers and community members. He also held a meeting with representatives from Day Cares of Lakewood, discussing issues pertinent to families and childcare providers. A lunch meeting with media influencers and other local figures followed, providing a platform to address community concerns. Ciattarelli continued his tour with visits to popular local businesses, including the Ice Cream House, Judaica Square, and Gourmet Glatt South, where he mingled with shoppers and store owners. His itinerary also included a stop at the new corporate headquarters of First Commerce Bank, where he met with employees, leadership, and tenants, as well as a visit to the Tomchei Shabbos Passover Distribution at the Blue Claws Parking lot. Additionally, he made an appearance at stores in the Liberty Commons Shopping Center and visited other locations throughout the township.
Ciattarelli’s strong ties to Lakewood were evident in the 2021 election, when he secured a landslide victory in the overwhelmingly frum city. Despite endorsements from the Lakewood Vaad and numerous askanim for Governor Murphy, Ciattarelli won 61.6% of the Lakewood vote, totaling 11,644 votes. The community, known for its conservative leanings, largely felt that Murphy’s policies did not align with their values, paving the way for Ciattarelli’s dominant performance.
Ciattarelli’s return to Lakewood shows his commitment to addressing the needs and priorities of this key constituency, signaling that he intends to build on his previous support as he prepares for the upcoming election.
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO ROUNDUP OF THIS VISIT
PHOTOS FOR LAKEWOOD ALERTS VIA HILLEL ENGEL
You got a couple hundred pictures on here and not a single one is he in a public school committing himself to fixing the school funding crisis.