Political Earthquake in New Jersey: Democrat Councilman Switches to Republican, Endorses Jack Ciattarelli for Governor as GOP Momentum Builds Before Election
In a stunning pre-election shift that’s sending ripples through New Jersey politics, Alpine Councilman David Kupferschmid, a lifelong Democrat, has officially switched parties to become a Republican — and endorsed GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli for governor. The move, announced on October 22, 2025, marks the first time in more than two decades that Alpine, a wealthy Bergen County enclave of about 1,800 residents, will have a Republican on its governing council.
Kupferschmid’s decision comes just days before early voting begins for the November 4 gubernatorial election, where Ciattarelli is mounting an aggressive campaign to unseat Democratic congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. His switch not only breaks local precedent but also signals broader dissatisfaction among moderate Democrats with their party’s increasingly progressive direction.
“With my switch, I will now be the first Republican on the council in more than 20 years,” Kupferschmid said in a statement. “I hope this is the beginning of a resurgence for the Republican Party in Alpine, where alternate voices are much needed on the governing body.”
The defection carries more symbolic weight than numerical impact — Alpine is a small town — but its timing couldn’t be more significant. In a state where Democrats have long dominated, Ciattarelli’s campaign has quietly built momentum in key suburban areas once thought out of reach. Kupferschmid’s endorsement underscores that shift, providing both validation and visibility in the final stretch of the race.
Recent polling from Rutgers, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Quinnipiac puts Democrat Mikie Sherrill ahead by 5 to 6 points — a modest lead that’s narrower than many expected in deep-blue New Jersey. Four years ago, Ciattarelli lost to Governor Phil Murphy by just three percentage points, surprising analysts who had written off the race as unwinnable for Republicans. Now, as concerns over property taxes, school policies, and affordability dominate voter sentiment, his campaign has found renewed energy.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman known for his pragmatic tone and emphasis on fiscal reform, immediately welcomed the endorsement. “Councilman Kupferschmid’s decision reflects what we’re seeing all across New Jersey — Democrats, independents, and lifelong moderates are realizing our state needs balance, accountability, and leadership that actually listens,” he said at a campaign event in Hackensack. “People are tired of one-party rule and ready for change.”
Kupferschmid cited similar frustrations. Sources close to the councilman say he had grown disillusioned with what he described as “extreme partisanship and intolerance for independent thought” within the Democratic Party. His endorsement of Ciattarelli, he added, was driven by shared values on fiscal responsibility, local governance, and education.
Political observers note that while Alpine’s small size limits its direct electoral impact, symbolic moments like this can energize statewide campaigns. Bergen County — the state’s most populous — has seen a growing number of moderate Democrats and unaffiliated voters drifting rightward in recent elections, especially in affluent suburbs where tax policy and school curriculum debates have become flashpoints.
For Ciattarelli, every sign of crossover support helps reinforce his campaign’s central message: that New Jersey is ready for a correction, not a revolution. His team has focused heavily on kitchen-table issues, avoiding national political rhetoric in favor of pragmatic promises to lower property taxes and curb state spending.
Early voting begins Saturday, and campaign operatives say this week could be crucial in shaping turnout. Ciattarelli’s camp has already planned multiple rallies across northern New Jersey, capitalizing on the momentum from Kupferschmid’s announcement.
“This is about restoring balance,” Kupferschmid said. “It’s time for more voices and more viewpoints at the table. I’m proud to stand with Jack and with New Jerseyans who want our state back on track.”
The move may be just one seat in one town, but its timing and symbolism send a clear message: New Jersey’s political winds are shifting — and Jack Ciattarelli’s path to the governor’s mansion might just be narrowing the gap with every new defection.
