History of Jack Ciattarelli in Timeline

Jack Ciattarelli is an American politician and businessman. As a Republican, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly (2011-2018), representing the 16th district. He was the Republican nominee for Governor of New Jersey in 2021 and is the Republican nominee in the 2025 election. He has experience in business and politics.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 12, 1961: Jack Ciattarelli Born

On December 12, 1961, Giacchino Michael "Jack" Ciattarelli was born.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Served on Raritan Borough Council

In 1990, Ciattarelli began serving on the Raritan Borough Council.

1991: Council President

From 1991 until 1995, Jack Ciattarelli was the council president of the Raritan Borough Council.

1995: Chose Not to Seek Re-election

In 1995, Ciattarelli chose not to seek re-election to the Raritan Borough Council to focus on his business career.

1998: Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall

From 1998 to 2001, Ciattarelli was an adjunct professor at Seton Hall.

2001: End of time as adjunct professor at Seton Hall

From 1998 to 2001, Ciattarelli was an adjunct professor at Seton Hall.

2007: Elected to Somerset County Board of Freeholders

In 2007, Ciattarelli was elected to the Somerset County Board of Freeholders.

November 8, 2011: Elected to General Assembly

On November 8, 2011, Ciattarelli and his running mate Peter J. Biondi were elected to the General Assembly, defeating Marie Corfield and Joe Camarota.

November 2011: Served on Somerset County Board of Freeholders

Ciattarelli served on the Somerset County Board of Freeholders until November 2011.

December 5, 2011: Sworn into General Assembly

On December 5, 2011, Ciattarelli was sworn in to complete Peter J. Biondi's unexpired term in the General Assembly after stepping down from his freeholder position.

2011: Elected to General Assembly

In 2011, Ciattarelli was elected to the General Assembly after holding local offices.

January 10, 2012: Sworn in for Full Term

On January 10, 2012, Ciattarelli was sworn in for his first full term in the General Assembly.

2012: Voted Against Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

In 2012, Ciattarelli voted against a bill legalizing same-sex marriage but also voted to ban conversion therapy for minors.

2015: Called Donald Trump a "charlatan"

In 2015, Ciattarelli called Donald Trump a "charlatan."

2016: Diagnosed with Throat Cancer

In 2016, Ciattarelli was diagnosed with throat cancer.

March 2017: Revealed He Was Cancer-Free

In March 2017, Ciattarelli revealed that he was cancer-free.

2017: Came in Second in Republican Primary

In 2017, Ciattarelli came in second in the Republican Party gubernatorial primary with 31% of the vote, behind Kim Guadagno.

2017: Chose Not to Seek Re-election

In 2017, Ciattarelli chose not to seek re-election to the General Assembly in order to run for governor.

2017: Second Place in Republican Gubernatorial Primary

In 2017, Ciattarelli placed second to Kim Guadagno in the Republican primary for the New Jersey gubernatorial election.

January 9, 2018: Term Ended in General Assembly

On January 9, 2018, Ciattarelli's term in the General Assembly ended.

2018: Ciattarelli Leaves General Assembly

In 2018, Jack Ciattarelli's service in the New Jersey General Assembly concluded as he did not seek re-election in 2017 and his term ended on January 9, 2018.

2020: Supported Trump's Reelection Bid

In 2020, Ciattarelli supported Trump's reelection bid, headlining a "Stop the Steal" rally.

November 12, 2021: Ciattarelli Conceded the Race

On November 12, 2021, Ciattarelli conceded the race to incumbent governor Phil Murphy after losing in the general election.

2021: Won Republican Nomination for Governor

In 2021, Ciattarelli won the Republican nomination in the following gubernatorial election, but lost to Phil Murphy in the general election.

2021: Republican Nominee in Gubernatorial Election

In 2021, Jack Ciattarelli was the Republican nominee in the gubernatorial election.

June 2023: Separation Announcement

In June 2023, Ciattarelli announced that he and his wife Melinda had separated earlier in the year.

2024: Endorsed Trump

In 2024, Ciattarelli endorsed Trump in the election.

2025: Republican Nominee for Governor

In 2025, Ciattarelli ran as the Republican nominee in the New Jersey gubernatorial election and won the contest on June 10 with about 68% of the vote, after being endorsed by President Donald Trump.