Ciattarelli: Small business background 'means we get it'

Following the April 9 launch of his 2025 gubernatorial bid, Jack Ciattarelli has maintained the same robust pace of public appearances that’s persisted since his 2021 attempt at the seat.

NJBIZ recently caught up with the Republican hopeful from the trail for a wide-ranging discussion on several topics.

The following conversation is edited for length and clarity. This is the final installment of a four part series. Look back on earlier pieces in the box below .

NJBIZ : You have been a successful business owner. You and your family have a long legacy here of being small business owners in the state. How much does that play into how you would approach the job on a day-to-day basis? And, even now, as you go around the state; how does that perspective impact the message you are carrying forward?

Ciattarelli : It means we get it. My parents, my grandparents were in business for themselves. My parents owned a restaurant and bar. My sister, my brother and I have all been in business for ourselves. So, we get it. We understand. We sign the front of the paycheck. We make the payroll. So, I think that brings with it a certain level of credibility that we’re fellow business owners all around the state. And that’s what I want. I want them to know that I understand and I’m committed to making New Jersey a better place to do business.

Beyond politics

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The Q&A series

Part 1: NJBIZ chats with the gubernatorial hopeful

Part 2: Ciattarelli talks economic development: ‘We need a governor who’s pro-business’

Part 3: Ciattarelli on OPRA, the line and term limits: ‘Let’s have the discussion’

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NJBIZ : It’s a crazy time politically. On a day-to-day basis, how do you navigate the heated environment, which is going to get even more tense through the presidential election and then as the primary race really heats up, as well?

Ciattarelli : I’ve been on the November ballot eight times and I’ve won seven of those races. In every one of those races, Democrats significantly outnumbered Republicans. And I won because I went everywhere. I go places other Republicans don’t or won’t. And I talk about the issues the issues that matter to people. And when you do that, you can kind of eliminate all the polarization and hyper-partisanship that paralyzes government today.

When people see that you’re someone who’s owned your own business; raised your family right here in New Jersey; has been in New Jersey for over 100 years the Ciattarellis have they begin to not see politics. But what they begin to see are our solutions to problems. And I think that’s what always makes the difference and will make a difference in this race.

Maybe drive-ins and dives next time

NJBIZ : Now you’re doing this Diner Tour . What does the day-to-day campaigning look like for the next few weeks and months?

Ciattarelli : It’s being in places where other New Jerseyans are. And other New Jerseyans are in diners every day of the week all up and down the state. So that will continue right from day one two weeks ago right up until the election in November 2025. And it is my intention to hit every diner in this state. It’s doable and we’re well on our way to achieving that.

NJBIZ : Any particular favorite one? I understand if you do not want alienate any.

Ciattarelli : They are all favorites, Matt all up and down the state. They all have their own character. All have their own loyal customer base. I just love it. It’s a phenomenal way to just get out there and interact with everyday New Jerseyans.

NJBIZ : Jack, I appreciate your time and I’ll close with this. What is your overall message to New Jersey residents/voters and businesses as you embark on this journey?

Ciattarelli : My job is to get people feeling good about New Jersey again. The way to achieve that is by getting big government out of the way; out of the way of our taxpayers; out of the way of our businesses; out of the way of our police; and out of the way of parents. And that’s my sole objective here. I don’t want to be U.S. senator. I don’t want to be president. I don’t want to write a book. New Jersey is my final destination it’s home. Always has been, always will be. And my sole focus is to fix this state that we all love.

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