Hold the phone, New Jersey—former Gov. Thomas Kean just dropped a political bombshell by endorsing Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor. This isn’t just a nod; it’s a full-throated call for change from a man who’s been out of the partisan game for years. For conservatives tired of progressive overreach, this feels like a long-overdue wake-up call.
According to Just the News, Kean, a respected Republican who led New Jersey from 1982 to 1990, publicly backed Ciattarelli on Monday, mere hours before Election Day, in a bid to unseat Democrat Mikie Sherrill.
Let’s rewind a bit. Kean, whose family tree is practically a political dynasty, isn’t just any ex-governor—he’s a heavyweight who crushed his reelection in 1985 with nearly 70% of the vote. That kind of mandate speaks to a leadership style many conservatives wish we saw more of today.
After his governorship, Kean didn’t fade into obscurity; he took on big roles like chairing the bipartisan 9/11 Commission in 2002 and later serving as president of Drew University. His resume isn’t just impressive—it’s a reminder of a time when leaders prioritized results over endless culture-war squabbles.
Fast forward to Monday, when Kean broke his self-imposed silence on partisan politics. His reasoning? A deep conviction that New Jersey’s current trajectory under progressive policies is a disaster waiting to be fixed.
“I haven't been involved in partisan politics for a number of years, but this year is different,” Kean declared in a video shared on Ciattarelli’s social media. Well, if that’s not a polite way of saying the state’s gone off the rails, what is? For those of us skeptical of the left’s agenda, this is the kind of straight talk we’ve been craving.
Kean didn’t stop there, doubling down on why Ciattarelli is the right pick. “New Jersey needs a change and needs a change badly. Jack Ciattarelli is that change,” he said.
“We've got a lot to do in New Jersey. I've known Jack for 25 years. He's compassionate, he's decent, he works hard, and he'd be a great Governor for New Jersey,” Kean added. Now, that’s an endorsement with heart, not just a political favor—and it’s hard to argue with 25 years of personal insight.
Ciattarelli, clearly thrilled, didn’t miss a beat in amplifying the message. He praised Kean as someone who “set the standard for effective leadership.” If that’s not a subtle jab at the current administration’s failures, then nothing is.
The timing of this endorsement—just one day before Election Day—couldn’t be more critical. With Ciattarelli facing off against Sherrill, Kean’s voice might just sway undecided voters who’ve grown weary of the same old promises from the left. Let’s be real: New Jersey has been a tough battleground for conservatives. Progressive policies have often dominated, leaving many residents frustrated with high taxes and overregulation. Kean stepping in now feels like a reminder that common-sense governance isn’t a lost cause.
But this isn’t just about nostalgia for Kean’s era. His endorsement is a calculated push for Ciattarelli, a candidate who’s positioned himself as a no-nonsense alternative to the status quo. For voters fed up with woke rhetoric over practical solutions, this pairing hits the mark.
What makes Kean’s move so striking is his long absence from the political fray. He’s not some talking head desperate for relevance; he’s a statesman who’s chosen this moment to speak out. That alone should make every voter pause and think.
For conservatives, this endorsement is more than a headline—it’s a rallying cry. New Jersey doesn’t have to be a permanent stronghold for progressive experiments; with leaders like Ciattarelli, backed by giants like Kean, there’s a real shot at turning the tide.
So, as the polls loom, Kean’s words linger like a challenge to the Garden State. Will voters heed his call for change, or stick with a system many feel has failed them? For those of us who believe in limited government and personal responsibility, the choice couldn’t be clearer.