Ciattarelli’s Son Surprises Him Ahead of Election Day With Hero’s Homecoming

Just hours before Election Day in New Jersey, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli got what he called the “surprise of a lifetime” a reunion with his U.S. Army son who flew home from Kuwait to cast his vote.

At a packed campaign event in Murph’s Tavern in Totowa, Ciattarelli was stunned as his son, Capt. Jake Ciattarelli, walked through the doors after serving eight months overseas. The emotional moment, captured on video, shows the GOP nominee throwing his hands over his head in disbelief as the crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA!”

“Grateful to have all four kids home and feeling great heading into Election Day!” Ciattarelli posted on X.

The moment wasn’t just personal it was patriotic. It highlighted the very values Ciattarelli has championed throughout his campaign faith, family, service, and country.

“He’s been so busy defending our nation, he probably forgot to do his vote-by-mail ballot,” Ciattarelli joked. “He’s here to vote!”

The homecoming came at a critical time for Ciattarelli, who’s running against Democrat Mikie Sherrill for the state’s top job. A recent Quinnipiac poll showed Sherrill leading 51% to 43%, but with momentum building, Ciattarelli says voters are fed up and ready for real change.

“They are very frustrated with Phil Murphy’s failed policies,” he told Morning Wire over the weekend.

Here’s what Ciattarelli is pledging to deliver as New Jersey’s next governor:

• No sanctuary cities promising to reverse the state’s sanctuary policy on day one.

• Law and order making it clear that criminals will face real consequences.

• Parental rights in schools pledging to eliminate the radical LGBTQ+ curriculum and appoint an entirely new state board of education.

• Economic reform slashing taxes, reining in reckless spending, and tackling out-of-control energy bills.

“We are going to have public safety here in New Jersey,” Ciattarelli said. “We will not be a sanctuary state.”

While Sherrill and the Democrats double down on failed progressive policies, Ciattarelli is offering voters a bold alternative rooted in common sense and conservative values. His campaign has focused on restoring fiscal sanity, protecting New Jersey families, and defending American traditions that many feel have been cast aside.

And as his son’s dramatic return proved, the Ciattarelli name is more than just politics it’s about service, sacrifice, and standing up for what matters most.

New Jersey votes Tuesday, November 4th, with polls opening at 6 a.m. ET. It’s time to choose: more of the same, or a fresh start for a state that desperately needs it.

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