Branchville Councilman Endorses Ciattarelli Over Sherrill in Governor’s Race

Branchville, New Jersey – Councilman Jeff Lewis, a Democrat from Branchville, has publicly endorsed Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Lewis stated that he believes Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, is “not cut out for the job.”n

“She hasn’t done anything to enthuse me,” Lewis said during an appearance on Fox News. “All she keeps running with her commercials is the fact she’s a helicopter pilot and a mom of four, and she thinks she’s going to be able to lower electrical bills, which I think she’s going to have a very hard time doing.”n

This endorsement comes amid a strong push from prominent Democratic figures supporting Sherrill, including former President Bill Clinton and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Ciattarelli, who lost to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in the 2021 election, is now competing in a closely watched race as Murphy has endorsed Sherrill due to term limits.n

Lewis joins a growing number of local leaders in New Jersey who are endorsing Ciattarelli, signaling a possible shift among Democratic voters. He noted, “People are kind of tired of the same old… Shoving down things, saying this is the way it must be.”n

During his career, Lewis has often voted for Democratic candidates but expressed disillusionment with the party. He remarked, “I’m a Democrat in name, but I’ve felt disillusioned with the party’s ideals.”n

As the election approaches, early voting in New Jersey begins Saturday, October 25, ahead of Election Day on November 4, 2025. Recent polls from Rutgers-Eagleton and Emerson College show a tight race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli.n

Polling conducted by Fox News indicates that New Jersey voters’ top concerns include high taxes, housing costs, and the growing cost of living. Lewis conveyed his faith in Ciattarelli, stating, “I believe that he’s definitely a gentleman that will do the right thing for the state.”n

The outcome of the gubernatorial race remains uncertain, but with the polls indicating a competitive environment, both candidates are ramping up efforts to secure votes as they near Election Day.