Garfield Mayor’s Stunning Party Switch: Endorses Jack Ciattarelli for NJ Governor in 2025

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Garfield NJ, in a bold move that’s shaking up New Jersey politics, Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto announced on September 4, 2025, that he’s leaving the Democratic Party to join the Republicans—and endorsing GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. The dramatic event in Garfield, attended by heavyweights like state Sen. Holly Schepisi and Bergen County Republican Party Chairman Jack DeLorenzo, highlights Garnto’s shift and Ciattarelli’s growing momentum. Here’s why this cross-party endorsement and Bergen County’s role could shape the 2025 NJ governor’s race.

Garnto’s Big Announcement: From Democrat to Republican

At a high-profile event in Garfield, NJ, on September 4, 2025, Mayor Everett Garnto took the stage to endorse Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor and reveal his own departure from the Democratic Party. Garnto, who won a council seat in November 2024 and was selected as mayor by his peers, praised Ciattarelli’s platform of “commonsense governing, fiscal responsibility, school reform, and family values.”

Garnto’s switch isn’t entirely surprising. A former Republican, he changed his affiliation to Democratic after the 2016 primary but openly supported President Donald Trump, including attending Trump’s inauguration and sharing pro-Trump posts on social media. His return to the GOP aligns with his conservative leanings, despite Garfield’s nonpartisan municipal elections.

Why Bergen County Matters in the 2025 Governor’s Race

Jack Ciattarelli, a lifelong New Jerseyan and former state assemblyman, emphasized Bergen County’s pivotal role in the upcoming gubernatorial election. With a population larger than eight U.S. states, Bergen County is a political powerhouse. “The road to statewide victory goes through Bergen County,” Ciattarelli declared, highlighting its influence in New Jersey’s electoral landscape.

Garnto’s endorsement, as a sitting mayor in Bergen County, adds weight to Ciattarelli’s campaign, especially in a region known for competitive races. The event, attended by GOP leaders like Sen. Holly Schepisi and Chairman Jack DeLorenzo, signals strong Republican momentum as the 2025 election nears.

Garnto’s Political Journey: From Cop to Mayor

Garnto’s path to mayor is as unique as his party switch. A former Garfield police officer and school board member, he first registered as a Republican before switching to Democratic in 2016. In November 2024, Garnto won a council seat in Garfield’s nonpartisan elections, where his slate secured three of five seats. The council then chose him as mayor, a customary practice in the borough’s four-year election cycle.

Despite not receiving the most public votes, Garnto’s leadership and conservative stance have made him a polarizing figure. His vocal support for Trump and now Ciattarelli underscores his alignment with Republican values, making his party switch a return to his political roots.

What This Means for NJ Politics in 2025

Garnto’s endorsement and party switch are more than just local news—they signal a shifting political landscape in New Jersey. Bergen County, with its large voter base, could tip the scales in the governor’s race, and Ciattarelli’s focus on fiscal responsibility and school reform resonates with moderates and conservatives alike. Garnto’s move may inspire other disillusioned Democrats to cross party lines, especially in a state where political loyalties are often fluid.

However, Garfield’s nonpartisan system means Garnto’s switch won’t directly affect local governance, where council dynamics prioritize community issues over party labels. Still, his high-profile endorsement could galvanize GOP voters in Bergen County and beyond.

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What’s Next for Garfield and Ciattarelli?

As the 2025 gubernatorial race heats up, Garnto’s endorsement puts Garfield in the spotlight. Residents can expect more campaign events as Ciattarelli courts Bergen County voters. For updates on local politics, follow Garfield’s official website or check northjersey.com for coverage of the governor’s race.

Ciattarelli’s platform, emphasizing practical governance and family values, will face scrutiny as he challenges Democratic contenders. Meanwhile, Garnto’s switch to the GOP could reshape his tenure as mayor, potentially influencing Garfield’s role in regional politics.

Source: Adapted from NorthJersey.com and local Garfield event reports.

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