New Jersey’s GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli visited Lakewood this weekend, where he met directly with residents, listened to their concerns, and shared his vision for the state’s future.
The meeting took place at a local community center and attracted a large number of voters, religious leaders, and business owners from the Orthodox Jewish community.
Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, is preparing for another attempt in the upcoming 2025 race. His visit to Lakewood signals his efforts to build strong connections with voters across different communities.
Lakewood, with its large and influential Orthodox population, has become a key stop for political candidates in New Jersey due to its high voter turnout and active civic involvement.
During the event, Ciattarelli emphasized his commitment to addressing issues that matter most to New Jersey families, such as school funding, public safety, tax relief, and parental rights in education. He also spoke about making the state more affordable for small businesses and working families.
Residents had the chance to speak directly with him and raise concerns about rising property taxes, education challenges, and safety concerns in neighborhoods. Ciattarelli took time to respond to questions and promised to advocate for solutions that reflect the values and priorities of everyday New Jerseyans.
The event was informal, with Ciattarelli walking around the room, shaking hands, taking photos, and engaging in small group conversations.
His approachable style and willingness to listen seemed to resonate well with the audience. Many attendees praised him for making the effort to visit Lakewood in person and for showing genuine interest in local concerns.
Photos and videos from the event showed a packed room with community members listening attentively, engaging in discussion, and sharing ideas.
The candidate also met with several local leaders after the event to continue conversations on how state policies can better support their needs.
As the race for New Jersey’s next governor starts to pick up pace, Ciattarelli’s visit to Lakewood is part of a broader outreach strategy focused on grassroots support. He is expected to continue visiting towns and cities across the state in the coming months, building momentum for his campaign.
Ciattarelli is positioning himself as a strong alternative to the current Democratic leadership, promising practical solutions over politics and focusing on rebuilding trust between state government and local communities.
His consistent messaging around education, affordability, and safety continues to be a central theme in his campaign.
For many residents in Lakewood, the visit was a chance to engage with a candidate who they feel understands their challenges. With New Jersey’s diverse voter base, events like this play an important role in helping candidates connect on a personal level.
The visit ended on a positive note, with Ciattarelli thanking the community for their hospitality and encouraging residents to stay involved in the political process. He promised to return again and maintain an open line of communication as the campaign moves forward.
As the 2025 gubernatorial race continues to unfold, early voter engagement like this shows the importance of connecting with communities face-to-face and building real relationships that go beyond campaign slogans.