Former NJ governor breaks years-long silence with endorsement of Ciattarelli

Former New Jersey Republican Gov. Thomas Kean on Monday broke his years-long political silence in order to endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, declaring that his state "needs a change."

Ciattarelli shared the unexpected endorsement in a social media post that included a video message from the former governor. Kean served in the post from 1982 to 1990 and is descended from a family of historic political leaders, per Fox News.

The former governor said that he has known Ciattarelli for years and appeared confident in his leadership. The endorsement comes one day before Election Day, where Ciattarelli faces Democrat Mikie Sherrill. 

"I haven't been involved in partisan politics for a number of years, but this year is different," Kean said in the video message on X. "New Jersey needs a change and needs a change badly. Jack Ciattarelli is that change ... We've got a lot to do in New Jersey. I've known Jack for 25 years. He's compassionate, he's decent, he works hard, and he'd be a great Governor for New Jersey."

Ciattarelli praised Kean for his endorsement, stating that the former governor "set the standard for effective leadership."

Kean is known for being a respected public figure after he chaired the bipartisan 9/11 Commission in 2002. He also won reelection as New Jersey governor in 1985 with nearly 70% of the vote. He later became president of Drew University.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.