New Jersey Candidate Urges New Yorkers to Relocate Amid Democratic Primary Shock

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli is encouraging residents of New York City to consider moving across the Hudson River to New Jersey, citing recent political developments in the city.

Following Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in the Democratic mayoral primary, Ciattarelli criticized the state of the Democratic Party, asserting that it has “lost its mind.” He urged those opposed to progressive policies, calls to defund the police, and allegations of antisemitism, to relocate to New Jersey.

Ciattarelli, a supporter of former President Trump, vowed that if elected, he would make New Jersey a model state emphasizing common sense, affordability, economic growth, and law enforcement. He is aiming to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who is term-limited.

Jack Ciattarelli speaking at a podium — Ciattarelli speaking after winning the nomination and advocating for New Yorkers to move to New Jersey.

Ciattarelli continued to use Mamdani’s left-leaning agenda as a platform to appeal to New Jersey voters, claiming that if Mamdani became mayor, lawlessness and chaos would follow. He emphasized his proactive approach to protecting New Jersey from similar issues.

Zohran Mamdani speaking at his election night party — Mamdani’s upset primary win has rattled New York City politics.

Tweet encouraging NYC residents to move to New Jersey — Ciattarelli called out the Democratic Party for supporting a socialist candidate, urging residents to consider relocating.

In demographic shifts, New Jersey has experienced a 2.3% population increase since April 2020, reaching around 9.5 million. Notably, over 75,000 New Yorkers moved to New Jersey between 2021 and 2022 in the wake of the pandemic.