Shock Twist in New Jersey: Democratic Councilman Jeff Lewis Endorses Republican Jack Ciattarelli, Calls Mike Sherrill “Not Cut Out” for Governor
In a move that sent shockwaves through New Jersey’s political landscape, Branchville Democratic Councilman Jeff Lewis has broken ranks with his own party and publicly endorsed Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli for governor — calling Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill “not cut out for the job.” The surprise defection marks a rare and dramatic moment in state politics, revealing growing divisions inside the Democratic base just days before a pivotal election.
Lewis, a longtime local official and lifelong Democrat, spoke candidly about his decision in a viral Facebook post and local interviews, describing his frustration with what he called “tone-deaf leadership” within his party. “I’ve watched the people I represent struggle under endless taxes, mismanagement, and no accountability,” Lewis said. “At some point, you stop voting by the letter next to someone’s name and start voting for results.”
His remarks came as Ciattarelli — a seasoned businessman and former state assemblyman — has gained late momentum among moderates and independents, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative to what he describes as “Trenton’s one-party rule.” The campaign has capitalized on widespread concerns about affordability, rising property taxes, and state spending, arguing that New Jersey families are “suffocating” under Democratic leadership.
Lewis’s endorsement adds unexpected credibility to that message. He’s one of at least thirteen elected Democrats across the state who’ve openly crossed party lines to back Ciattarelli — a statistic that even seasoned political analysts have called “unheard of” in modern New Jersey elections. His decision underscores a deeper sentiment bubbling beneath the surface: frustration with the party’s direction and disillusionment among rank-and-file members who feel alienated by national Democratic messaging.
When asked why he rejected Rep. Sherrill, Lewis didn’t mince words. “She’s not ready to lead a state this complex,” he said. “New Jersey needs someone who understands business, who’s willing to take tough stands on spending and education. Jack’s that person.”
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot turned congresswoman, has yet to respond directly, but her campaign issued a brief statement defending her record on economic development and women’s rights, calling Lewis’s remarks “disappointing.” Still, the backlash from within her own party has intensified an already difficult race.
Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign, meanwhile, embraced the endorsement with enthusiasm. “When Democrats start endorsing the Republican nominee, it tells you how badly people want change,” Ciattarelli told supporters at a Thursday rally. “This isn’t about party — it’s about common sense.”
Political experts say the endorsement could resonate strongly in rural and suburban counties where voters often swing between parties. For Democrats, the development serves as a warning that the dissatisfaction fueling national realignments may be closer to home than they’d like to admit.
As election day nears, the race in New Jersey has transformed into a test of message over party loyalty — and Jeff Lewis’s bold decision may have just given Ciattarelli the edge he needed.
