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What Makes Jersey Run: Gov. Tom Kean chats about Trump, Christie, Ciattarelli, the GOP ...

What Makes Jersey Run: Former Gov. Tom Kean Reflects on Trump, Christie, Ciattarelli, and the Future of the GOP

In a wide-ranging conversation that delves into the heart of New Jersey's political landscape, former Republican Governor Tom Kean offers a candid assessment of the state's GOP dynamics, drawing from his decades of experience in public service. Kean, who served as New Jersey's governor from 1982 to 1990, is often remembered for his moderate, consensus-building approach that helped him secure landslide victories in a state that has long leaned Democratic. Now, at 89, Kean remains a respected elder statesman, providing insights into the turbulent waters of modern Republican politics, including the influence of former President Donald Trump, the ambitions of ex-Gov. Chris Christie, the recent gubernatorial bids of Jack Ciattarelli, and the broader challenges facing the GOP in a blue-leaning state like New Jersey.

Kean's reflections begin with a nod to the enduring question of "what makes Jersey run," a phrase that encapsulates the unique blend of grit, diversity, and pragmatism that defines New Jersey's political identity. As someone who navigated the state's complex electorate—balancing urban centers like Newark and Jersey City with suburban strongholds and rural pockets—Kean emphasizes the importance of bipartisanship and practical governance. "New Jersey isn't a place for extremes," he notes, highlighting how his own administration focused on environmental protection, education reform, and economic growth without alienating key voter blocs. This philosophy, he argues, is increasingly at odds with the national GOP's direction under Trump's shadow, which has polarized the party and complicated its appeal in moderate states.

Turning to Donald Trump, Kean doesn't mince words about the former president's impact on the Republican Party, both nationally and in New Jersey. Kean, who has historically distanced himself from Trump's brand of politics, expresses concern over how Trump's rhetoric and policies have alienated suburban voters, a demographic crucial to GOP success in the Garden State. He recalls the 2016 and 2020 elections, where Trump's influence helped flip some traditionally Democratic areas but ultimately contributed to down-ballot losses for Republicans in New Jersey. "Trump brought energy, no doubt, but it came at a cost," Kean says, pointing to the January 6 Capitol riot as a turning point that further eroded trust among independents and moderates. Kean suggests that Trump's focus on grievances and personal loyalty tests has made it harder for state-level Republicans to build coalitions. In New Jersey, where Democrats hold a firm grip on the legislature and governorship under Phil Murphy, Kean warns that embracing Trumpism could doom the party to perpetual minority status. Instead, he advocates for a return to the "big tent" Republicanism that allowed figures like himself and former Gov. Christie Whitman to thrive.

Speaking of Chris Christie, Kean offers a nuanced take on his successor's tumultuous career. Christie, who served as governor from 2010 to 2018, is praised by Kean for his bold leadership during crises like Superstorm Sandy, where Christie's no-nonsense style and willingness to work across the aisle with President Obama earned him national acclaim. However, Kean critiques Christie's later alignment with Trump, including his role as a debate coach during Trump's 2016 campaign, which Kean sees as a misstep that damaged Christie's moderate credentials. "Chris had the potential to be a bridge-builder, but the Trump association complicated that," Kean reflects. He points to Christie's failed 2016 presidential run and his more recent anti-Trump stance in the 2024 GOP primary as evidence of a leader caught between worlds. Kean admires Christie's prosecutorial background and his efforts to reform pensions and education, but he laments how scandals like Bridgegate overshadowed those achievements. In Kean's view, Christie's experience underscores a broader lesson for New Jersey Republicans: authenticity and accountability matter in a state where voters are quick to punish perceived arrogance or ethical lapses.

The conversation shifts to Jack Ciattarelli, the businessman and former assemblyman who has twice challenged for the governorship, losing narrowly to Murphy in 2021. Kean speaks highly of Ciattarelli's campaigns, describing him as a "tenacious fighter" who effectively highlighted issues like property taxes, education, and economic competitiveness—perennial concerns in New Jersey. Ciattarelli's near-victory in 2021, where he came within 3 percentage points of unseating Murphy, is seen by Kean as a sign of potential GOP resurgence, particularly in suburban counties like Monmouth and Ocean. "Jack connected with voters on kitchen-table issues," Kean says, praising Ciattarelli's focus on affordability and his avoidance of extreme cultural wars. However, Kean notes the challenges Ciattarelli faced from within the party, including pressure to align more closely with Trump's base. Kean advises that future candidates like Ciattarelli should emphasize local solutions over national divisiveness, drawing parallels to his own 1985 reelection, where he won by a record margin by appealing to Democrats and independents. Ciattarelli's decision to run again in 2025, Kean believes, could capitalize on Murphy's term limits and growing voter fatigue with Democratic dominance, but only if the GOP unites behind a moderate platform.

Broadening the discussion to the state of the New Jersey GOP, Kean paints a picture of a party at a crossroads. With Democrats controlling all branches of state government since 2018, Republicans have struggled to regain footing, hampered by internal divisions between Trump loyalists and traditional conservatives. Kean highlights the demographic shifts in New Jersey—its growing diversity, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and Black populations—as opportunities for the GOP to expand its base, but only if it moves away from anti-immigrant rhetoric associated with Trump. He recalls his own initiatives, like the establishment of the Kean Commission on 9/11, which emphasized national unity, and urges current leaders to prioritize issues like infrastructure, climate resilience (given New Jersey's vulnerability to storms), and affordable housing. "The GOP needs to be the party of ideas, not just opposition," Kean asserts, criticizing the national party's focus on culture wars that play poorly in a state where social liberalism is the norm.

Kean also touches on the role of money in politics, noting how New Jersey's high-stakes gubernatorial races, often the most expensive in the nation, favor incumbents with deep-pocketed donors. He reflects on his era, when campaigns were less dominated by super PACs, and calls for reforms to level the playing field. Looking ahead to the 2025 gubernatorial election, Kean expresses optimism that a candidate who embodies Jersey's pragmatic spirit—perhaps someone like Ciattarelli or a fresh face—could break the Democratic streak. He warns, however, that continued fealty to Trump could alienate the swing voters who decide close races.

Throughout the chat, Kean's tone is one of measured optimism tempered by realism. He shares anecdotes from his governorship, like negotiating with a Democratic legislature to pass landmark environmental laws, as blueprints for success. "Politics in Jersey is about getting things done, not grandstanding," he says, a subtle jab at the performative style that has infiltrated the GOP. Kean also discusses the influence of national figures on state politics, lamenting how Trump's legal troubles and the 2024 election cycle have overshadowed local issues. He praises efforts by some New Jersey Republicans, like state Sen. Mike Testa, to focus on regional concerns, but stresses the need for a cohesive strategy.

In wrapping up, Kean circles back to the essence of what makes New Jersey run: its people. From the boardwalks of the Shore to the factories of the Meadowlands, he sees a state resilient enough to weather political storms. For the GOP to thrive, it must rediscover its roots in problem-solving and inclusivity, much like during his tenure. As the 2025 elections loom, Kean's words serve as both a cautionary tale and a roadmap, reminding Republicans that in Jersey, moderation isn't a weakness—it's the key to victory. His insights, drawn from a lifetime in politics, offer a timely reminder that while national winds may buffet the state, it's the local currents that ultimately determine the course. (Word count: 1,128)

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[ https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/07/what-makes-jersey-run-gov-tom-kean-chats-about-trump-christie-ciattarelli-the-gop.html ]