Ciattarelli Gets Surprise Boost from Army Son on Eve of Tight NJ Governor’s Race
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli was stunned by a surprise appearance from his son, Army Capt. Jake Ciattarelli, during an election-eve rally at Murph’s Tavern in North Jersey.
The younger Ciattarelli, who returned home from Kuwait dressed in full uniform, embraced his father in front of a roaring crowd chanting “USA!” The moment came after Passaic County GOP Chairman Peter Murphy teased the crowd, saying the candidate’s “biggest supporter” had just flown in.
“You called the president yesterday. He sent Air Force One over to Kuwait and picked up Jack,” Ciattarelli joked after hugging his son. “And if I know the young man, he’ll probably be on a plane this afternoon back to Kuwait to defend our country.”
?BIG SURPRISE GUEST: Jack’s son, Jake, straight from Kuwait! God Bless and thank you for your service. It’s time. ?? pic.twitter.com/TfrhyP7nwf
— Mike Inganamort (@MikeInganamort) November 3, 2025
Jake Ciattarelli, who has served as an Army captain since late 2023, told reporters he’ll be staying in the U.S. through Thursday to support his father at the polls. His vote will be cast in person, since he likely missed the window for a mail-in ballot while deployed.
The emotional reunion added a patriotic spark to Ciattarelli’s busy final campaign day, which also included a rally in Neptune City and a scheduled tele-townhall with President Trump. He’ll finish the night with a final push in his hometown of Raritan.
The race remains tight, with Ciattarelli trailing Democrat Mikie Sherrill by just 3.3 points in the latest RealClearPolitics average. The former assemblyman has leaned heavily on kitchen-table issues, tax reform, and his Trump endorsement in the homestretch, while Sherrill has focused on reproductive rights and climate policies.
Ciattarelli previously shared a photo of Jake pointing at a “New Jersey Ave” street sign while stationed in the Middle East, calling it a proud moment for their family. Monday night’s surprise may be one of the most memorable yet.