Republican candidate for New Jersey governor Jack Ciattarelli vows to retaliate against New York City’s congestion pricing by imposing similar fees on New Yorkers entering the Garden State.
At a Glance
- Trump-endorsed Jack Ciattarelli plans to fight NYC’s congestion pricing which would charge New Jersey commuters entering Manhattan
- Ciattarelli proposed creating a “Garden State Transportation Authority” to unify all NJ transit systems under one management
- His campaign questions why New Jersey residents should subsidize New York’s MTA while receiving no benefits
- Trump’s endorsement positions Ciattarelli as the frontrunner in the contested Republican primary
Protecting New Jersey Commuters’ Wallets
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is taking a stand against New York City’s congestion pricing plan, arguing it unfairly burdens New Jersey commuters who already face high costs of living. Ciattarelli’s campaign focuses on protecting the financial interests of New Jersey residents who work in Manhattan and would be subject to additional fees under New York’s plan. The Republican candidate has not minced words about his opposition, calling the fees punitive and unnecessary for Garden State residents.
Ciattarelli proposes a bold counter-measure: implementing a similar congestion fee for New Yorkers entering New Jersey. This tit-for-tat approach signals his commitment to defending New Jersey’s interests in regional transportation disputes. He argues that if New Jersey commuters must pay to support New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, then New York commuters should likewise contribute to New Jersey Transit. This stance resonates with many residents who feel New Jersey often gets the short end of the stick in regional agreements.
Yesterday's court ruling on the congestion pricing lawsuit is promising news for New Jersey commuters and working families – but it won't be a true win until the judge orders the corrupt MTA to back off their plans to start tolling this Sunday.
If the plan goes through and…
— Jack Ciattarelli (@Jack4NJ) December 31, 2024
Transportation Reform Plans
Beyond fighting congestion pricing, Ciattarelli has outlined comprehensive transportation reforms for New Jersey. His campaign proposes creating the “Garden State Transportation Authority,” which would consolidate all of New Jersey’s mass transit systems under a single management structure. This reorganization aims to improve efficiency and coordination across the state’s various transportation networks, potentially leading to better service for commuters and more effective negotiations with neighboring states on regional transportation issues.
Ciattarelli takes a firm stance on labor issues affecting transportation, supporting legislation to make NJ Transit strikes illegal. He compares this approach to federal restrictions on air traffic controllers, framing it as essential for maintaining critical infrastructure. This position aims to address service reliability issues that have plagued New Jersey commuters and demonstrates his willingness to take controversial positions to reform the state’s transportation systems.
NEW JERSEY AND YOU??? PERFECT TOGETHER???? Far from it anymore. Whether it’s long lines at DMV, cancellations at Newark Airport, or New York City’s congestion pricing plan, why is it New Jerseyans are always waiting on line, inconvenienced, and over-charged while the state’s… pic.twitter.com/cKmdANq1l3
— Jack Ciattarelli (@Jack4NJ) May 6, 2025
Trump Endorsement Boosts Ciattarelli’s Campaign
Former President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement has significantly bolstered Ciattarelli’s campaign, positioning him as the frontrunner in a contested Republican primary field. The endorsement came after Ciattarelli met with Trump at his Bedminster golf club in March, signaling the former president’s support for Ciattarelli’s policy agenda. This includes not only his transportation initiatives but also plans to end New Jersey’s sanctuary state status and revise bail reform laws.
Ciattarelli expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement, viewing it as crucial for raising awareness about his candidacy and uniting the Republican party. Though he previously criticized Trump, Ciattarelli has since embraced the former president’s support and plans to campaign with him if nominated. The relationship represents a strategic alignment that could help Ciattarelli mobilize Republican voters in a state that has traditionally leaned Democratic in recent gubernatorial elections.
Republican strategists are increasingly optimistic about winning the governor’s race in New Jersey, citing improved electoral margins for Trump in the state. Meanwhile, Democrats aim to associate Ciattarelli closely with Trump, highlighting potential policy impacts they argue would be detrimental to New Jersey residents. With six Democrats competing in their primary to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, the general election campaign promises to focus heavily on transportation issues, taxes, and the state’s relationship with the federal government.
