Jack Ciattarelli is a New Jersey politician, entrepreneur, and lifelong resident of the state, born in Somerville and raised in the Borough of Raritan. He holds a degree in accounting and an MBA from Seton Hall University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Ciattarelli has founded two successful small businesses in New Jersey and is the father of four adult children. Ciattarelli’s public service career spans several decades and levels of government. He served on the Raritan Borough Council from 1990 to 1995, including a term as Council President, and was a member of the Somerset County Freeholder Board from 2007 to 2011, where he served as Freeholder Director. In 2011, he was elected to the New Jersey State Assembly, representing the 16th Legislative District, which covers parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. He served on committees related to financial institutions, insurance, and regulated professions. Ciattarelli voluntarily term-limited himself from the Assembly after running for governor in 2017. He first sought the Republican nomination for governor in 2017 but lost in the primary. In 2021, he won the GOP nomination and narrowly lost the general election to incumbent Governor Phil Murphy. His campaign was notable for energizing the state’s Republican Party, contributing to significant gains for down-ballot candidates in what was the party’s best election performance in three decades. Ciattarelli is currently running for governor again in 2025, seeking the Republican nomination for a third time. He has received endorsements from prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and former Governor Tom Kean Sr., as well as support from various unions and organizations. His stated priorities include improving affordability, ending state sanctuary policies, and stopping mandated diversity training. Ciattarelli has emphasized his commitment to New Jersey and stated he has no interest in federal office.