By Nicole Weatherholtz | Monday, 03 November 2025 03:32 PM EST
Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli’s son, Army Capt. Jake, surprised his father during a campaign event in Totowa, New Jersey, as the state’s governor’s race intensified. The unexpected visit occurred when Passaic County Republican Chairman Peter Murphy interrupted Ciattarelli’s speech at Murph’s Tavern to announce the arrival of Jake, who had traveled from Kuwait overnight.
According to reports, the room erupted in cheers and chants of “USA” as Jake, clad in his military uniform, approached his father for a heartfelt embrace. Ciattarelli humorously speculated about the circumstances of his son’s return, joking that President Donald Trump might have personally flown him back via Air Force One. He also noted that Jake likely forgot to mail his ballot despite his service abroad.
Jake later confirmed he planned to remain in the U.S. to support his father through Thursday’s events. Ciattarelli has frequently highlighted his son’s military career during the campaign, including a social media post featuring a “New Jersey Ave” sign in the Middle East.
The governor’s race remains tightly contested, with Ciattarelli trailing Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill by 3.3 percentage points in recent polls. The GOP candidate’s schedule included a tele-rally with Trump and multiple campaign stops ahead of the final rally in Raritan.
