A Democrat mayor in New Jersey is set to endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and is expected to switch parties, marking a significant political shift in the state. Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr., a long-time Democrat, will announce his decision this week, according to local reports.
Garfield, the fifth-largest municipality in Bergen County, has seen a stark political transformation. Four years ago, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy won the city by 151 votes, but in 2024, voters backed Donald Trump by nearly nine percentage points. The town’s demographics reflect this shift: 77% White and 32% Hispanic, with many residents identifying as multiracial.
Garnto, a former school board member and president of the Garfield Police Benevolent Association Local 46, was elected to the city council in 2024. Despite winning the most votes in a 14-candidate race for five seats, his colleagues bypassed local tradition by selecting him as mayor. His political journey has drawn scrutiny, particularly after Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill finished third in the June primary with 22.2% of the vote in Garfield.
Ciattarelli has secured support from several Democratic officials, including Dover Mayor James P. Dodd and former Roselle mayor Jamel Holley, a state assemblyman. The candidate has framed his campaign as a response to New Jersey’s “failed policies,” questioning why Democratic leaders are backing him. “Don’t believe people have had it with Murphy & Mikie’s failed policies? Then why are Democratic mayors endorsing me — and even switching parties?” he asked.
Garfield, a town of 32,000 residents, has traditionally been a blue-collar stronghold for Democrats. However, recent trends show rural areas leaning Republican while wealthier suburbs grow more progressive. In 2021, Ciattarelli narrowly lost Garfield to Murphy by 150 votes, but Trump’s 900-vote victory there last year signaled a shift.
The mayor’s endorsement raises questions about its impact on the race. While cross-party support often boosts campaigns, the implications for Garfield’s political landscape remain unclear.