Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari switched parties from Democrat to Republican and endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli for governor. The Sheriff announced his endorsement on the heels of the announcement of Sheriff Jim Gannon being named as the Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor.
"After decades of service, I've come to understand that leadership isn't about party lines, it's about standing up for what's right, even if it's not popular," said Sheriff Schillari, who in June lost his reelection bid in the Democratic Primary to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, a longtime cop. "Today's Democratic Party no longer reflects the principles that guided my public service. That's why I'm supporting Jack Ciattarelli for Governor, and Sheriff Gannon who will make a great Lt. Governor."
"Sheriff Schillari's endorsement shows that our law and order platform is more than just talk from someone who has spent decades on the front lines of public safety," Ciattarelli said. "His courage in putting his principles over party shows the leadership New Jersey needs."
Schillari cited, in part, his concern about the future of the Democratic Party with the step-up of leaders like Zohran Mamdani, candidate for mayor and his party's nominee. Sheriff Schillari pointed to this as evidence of the Democratic Party's shift away from supporting law enforcement.
