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.
