From Breitbart: Garfield, New Jersey Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr. announced Thursday that he is leaving the Democratic Party and endorsing Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor, marking a significant political shift in one of Bergen County’s largest municipalities.
The announcement came during Ciattarelli’s Garfield Rally. Michael Casey, New Jersey State Director for Early Vote Action, reported on X that the rally was “standing room only as hundreds of Garfield residents were in attendance,” calling it a “MAJOR endorsement for @Jack4NJ in a city that has been a longtime Democrat stronghold.”
Garnto, a retired Garfield police officer who served 29 years on the force and 12 years as president of the local Police Benevolent Association, was elected to the city council in November 2024 as a Democrat. He later became mayor after his colleagues selected him for the position. The lifelong resident also served as a school board member and vice chair of the Garfield Housing Authority before winning elected office.
The party switch carries weight in Garfield, home to more than 30,000 residents and the fifth-largest municipality in Bergen County. Although Murphy narrowly carried the city by just over 150 votes in 2021, Donald Trump won Garfield by nearly nine points in 2024. Local voter registration trends and Garnto’s own admission that he supported Trump in the last presidential election underscore the city’s shifting political climate.
Ciattarelli later announced: “New Jersey — our momentum is REAL. Every day, our campaign is making gains, and tonight in Garfield we PROVED it! Over 400 fired-up supporters PACKED the room as Democratic Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. made it OFFICIAL — he’s switching parties and endorsing our campaign!
“This is HUGE. Our momentum is growing, our energy is unstoppable, and I’m honored & humbled to have Mayor Garnto’s support. It’s ALL GAS and NO BRAKES until November 4th — it’s time to deliver real common sense change to New Jersey!”
New Jersey — our momentum is REAL. Every day, our campaign is making gains, and tonight in Garfield we PROVED it!
Over 400 fired-up supporters PACKED the room as Democratic Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. made it OFFICIAL — he’s switching parties and endorsing our campaign!
This is… pic.twitter.com/UHBXSniGMh
— Jack Ciattarelli (@Jack4NJ) September 5, 2025
“In front of a packed house, it was a great night as I proudly endorsed the next Governor of New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli, and IT’S TIME for real leadership that puts our communities and families first,” Garnto announced on Facebook.
WATCH BELOW:
Nick Poche, Ciattarelli’s campaign manager, explained, “So many people showed up to @Jack4NJ’s meet and greet with Garfield Democrat Mayor Garnto we had to move into the gym! Amazing energy! We can do this New Jersey – it’s time! (First spot. Then Gym!)”
So many people showed up to @Jack4NJ’s meet and greet with Garfield Democrat Mayor Garnto we had to move into the gym! Amazing energy! We can do this New Jersey – it’s time!
(First spot. Then Gym!) pic.twitter.com/ercVnv6bV7
— Nick Poche (@DevilofthePines) September 4, 2025
Garfield, New Jersey Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr. announces he is leaving the Democratic Party and endorsing @jack4nj for governor. pic.twitter.com/Tz3SJpmSXP
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) September 5, 2025
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