Part 6/7:
Endorsements Signal Shifting Political Dynamics
A significant development in the campaign was the endorsement from the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, marking a historic shift. This police union, one of the largest in the state, had previously endorsed Democrats, including Phil Murphy. Their support for Ciattarelli signals a broader shift toward law-and-order policies amid national debates on criminal justice. Ciattarelli responded enthusiastically, pledging to support law enforcement and restore respect for police at local levels. "They know I will have their back," he said, criticizing what he characterized as Democratic demonization of police forces.