65,000 Voters in Lakewood Area Shift Support to Ciattarelli in Historic Gubernatorial Endorsement

In a significant political development, all Jewish councils representing Lakewood, New Jersey, and its surrounding towns have collectively endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor. This unified backing, announced recently for the November 4, 2025, election, marks a historic departure from the community's past support for Democratic candidates. The endorsement encompasses councils from Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Howell, and Manchester, representing an influential voter base estimated at 65,000.

The unprecedented move was initially reported by The Lakewood Scoop, which stated, > "For the first time ever, the Jewish councils for the local towns surrounding Lakewood - including Toms River, Jackson, Howell and Manchester - announced a united endorsement for Jack Ciattarelli for Governor." This collective decision is anticipated to significantly boost Republican voter turnout in a region known for its high engagement.

Political analysts suggest this shift could reshape the electoral landscape in Ocean County, a crucial battleground in New Jersey. While the Lakewood Vaad, an influential Orthodox Jewish community council, endorsed Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, Ciattarelli still carried Lakewood by approximately 62% in that election. The area's Orthodox Jewish population has grown substantially, from 52,000 voters in 2021 to around 64,000 currently, making their consolidated support even more impactful.

Ciattarelli's campaign has reportedly engaged closely with community leaders, addressing concerns vital to the Orthodox Jewish population. Issues such as ensuring busing and services for children, federal tuition assistance, infrastructure needs, and state policy issues affecting the tax burden have been central to these discussions. This alignment of priorities appears to have swayed the councils toward the Republican candidate.

The unified endorsement highlights a growing willingness among Orthodox Jewish communities to coordinate politically across municipal lines. This strategic decision, just weeks before the election, underscores a concerted effort to mobilize early and absentee voting within the region. Observers believe the turnout from Lakewood and its neighboring towns could be a decisive factor in the gubernatorial race's final outcome.