BERGEN: Vote Ciattarelli for Governor, to Grow GOP Assembly Caucus (OPINION)

Today, I am proud to formally endorse Jack Ciattarelli for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Jersey.

He is the best choice to defeat the Democrats in November and the best choice to govern the state of New Jersey. He will work with Trump and support his agenda. He is a dynamic leader, a great person, and the one we need as our Governor.

I don’t take endorsements lightly. When I choose to support someone, it comes with the full weight of my time, resources, and energy. I will do everything in my power to help Jack win the Republican nomination and ultimately, the General Election. I hope that I’ve earned your respect and trust—and that you’ll stand with me in voting for Jack on June 10th.

Why I’m Supporting Jack Ciattarelli

  1. Team-Oriented Leadership

    This race isn’t just about the Governor’s office—it’s about building a Republican majority in the State Assembly. In 2021, Jack demonstrated real leadership by supporting down-ballot candidates, helping us flip eight Assembly seats. That’s the kind of team-first mentality we need again this year.

    Contrast this with Bill Spadea, who has consistently acted in his own self-interest. He’s stated openly that, if elected, he would rule by executive order for the first 100 days, ignoring the legislature entirely. He thinks he is Trump, but he’s not. He’s not capable of leading the way Trump does. He needs to build relationships with the New Jersey legislative body in order to govern, but he is too arrogant to realize that.

    In 2023, when Republicans were once again battling to protect and grow our legislative gains, Spadea and his allies launched the so-called “Common Sense Club.” I was invited to join with a $5,000 contribution. I declined—because they were diverting critical resources away from Republican efforts. What began as a supposed policy group quickly revealed itself to be a vehicle for Spadea’s own political ambitions. It drained time, energy, and money from the real fight, all while misleading supporters.

    Jack, on the other hand, puts New Jersey and our team first. That’s the kind of leadership I trust—and the kind we need.

  2. Shared Values and Policy Priorities

    Jack has committed to supporting several critical issues I’ve championed—priorities that will make New Jersey stronger:

    • Proportional Property Tax Relief for Service-Disabled Veterans
      Our disabled veterans receive the same federal support as those in other states, but New Jersey’s property taxes cancel that out. I’ve fought for proportional tax relief based on disability level, and Jack is committed to helping me get this over the finish line.
    • Reinstating COLA for Pensioned Retirees
      Public servants like police officers, firefighters, and teachers deserve pensions that keep up with the cost of living. Since COLA was cut during the Christie administration, many retirees have seen their fixed incomes eroded by inflation. Jack understands this and is committed to restoring fairness and honoring our promises.
    • Combating the Sports Betting Epidemic
      Online gambling is creating a surge in addiction, especially among young people. One in five gambling addicts will attempt suicide. The aggressive, targeted advertising, too often directed at teenage boys, needs to stop. Jack is ready to take this on. Bill Spadea? He mocked my concerns on his radio show. That tells you everything you need to know.

A Word on the Other Candidates

I have great respect for Jon Bramnick. I like him both personally and politically. When I entered the legislature he took me under his wing and supported me. I wish I thought he was the right person to represent the Republican party in November. Jon will have my support in virtually everything he does, just not this time.

As for Bill Spadea—he’s a charismatic figure, no doubt. But charisma is a trait shared by many con men. He is a snake oil salesman, plain and simple. I wouldn’t trust him to dog-sit for me, let alone govern our state.

Final Thoughts

Jack Ciattarelli is the clear and only choice for me in this primary. He is a principled, capable, and team-oriented leader who can win in November and help build a better New Jersey.

Please join me in voting for Jack Ciattarelli on June 10th.

Brian Bergen
About Brian Bergen 10 Articles
BRIAN BERGEN is a former Army Officer and Apache Helicopter Pilot and a Republican Assemblyman representing New Jersey's 25th Legislative District.