Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli speaks at his election night party, Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in Bridgewater, N.J. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
SRDTF News
UPDATED 3:47 PM PT – Friday, November 12, 2021
Republican Jack Ciattarelli has conceded in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race. Ciattarelli conceded on Friday, telling his supporters he called Gov. Phil Murphy (D) to congratulate him on his reelection.
“Of course, there were those who thought I couldn’t win,” said Ciattarelli. “There were those who told me I wouldn’t win. Fact is, we almost did win. Why? Because every single time misguided politicians take this state to far off track, the great people of this state push, pull and prod it right back to where it belongs.”
In a tight race, murphy won the election with less than a three-point margin over the Republican and Ciattarelli said it was too early to declare victory. The delay came to ensure all votes were counted correctly.
.@Jack4NJ concedes his loss to Murphy nine days after the governor’s race was called. Said yesterday was first day a path to victory was closed to him.
But says “I’ll be running for governor” again. pic.twitter.com/p4GpHZeRQL
— Dustin Racioppi (@dracioppi) November 12, 2021
However, Ciattarelli noted Friday it became clear he wasn’t going to win and that he would not be demanding a recount.
“Being on the campaign trail only reaffirmed that the people of New Jersey are among the most decent working in the country. They are also the most frustrated for the state they love, the state I love is broken,” said the Republican.
Ciattarelli said he does plan on running again in 2025 and highlighted political leadership is out of touch with what needs fixing in the Garden State, including high property taxes and a corrupt state government. The Republican said he wants Murphy to be successful in addressing the most important issues among New Jerseyans, but has a feeling there will still be a lot of fixing to do in the years to come.