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NJ Pastor Launches Write- In Campaign For Governor 2025 Election

New Jersey Pastor Launches Bold Write-In Campaign for 2025 Governor's Race

In a surprising twist to New Jersey's already competitive political landscape, Pastor Phil Rizzo, a conservative evangelical leader from Franklin Lakes, has announced his intention to mount a write-in campaign for the 2025 gubernatorial election. Rizzo, who previously ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2021 as a Republican, is positioning himself as an independent voice for voters disillusioned with the major-party candidates. This move comes amid growing frustration among conservative and faith-based communities in the Garden State, who feel underserved by the current political establishment.

Rizzo, the senior pastor at City Baptist Church in Hoboken and a prominent figure in New Jersey's religious circles, made the announcement during a press conference held at his church on October 15, 2024. Flanked by supporters waving signs reading "Write In Rizzo for Real Change," he outlined his platform, which emphasizes traditional family values, fiscal conservatism, and a staunch opposition to what he calls "progressive overreach" in state policies on education, taxes, and social issues. "New Jersey deserves a governor who puts God, family, and freedom first," Rizzo declared, echoing sentiments that resonated with his base during his prior campaign.

This isn't Rizzo's first foray into politics. In the 2021 Republican primary for governor, he garnered significant attention by securing about 26% of the vote, finishing second to eventual nominee Jack Ciattarelli. Rizzo's campaign that year was marked by his outspoken criticism of then-Gov. Phil Murphy's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly restrictions on religious gatherings. He positioned himself as a Trump-aligned conservative, drawing endorsements from national figures like former Trump advisor Roger Stone. Although he didn't win the nomination, Rizzo's performance highlighted a rift within the New Jersey GOP between establishment Republicans and more populist, grassroots elements.

Now, opting for a write-in bid rather than seeking a spot on the ballot through petition signatures, Rizzo is banking on mobilizing a dedicated network of churchgoers, homeschooling families, and small business owners across the state. Under New Jersey election law, write-in candidates must receive at least 100 votes to be officially recognized, but Rizzo's team is aiming much higher. They plan to launch an aggressive grassroots effort, including door-to-door canvassing in key counties like Bergen, Morris, and Ocean, where conservative voters are concentrated. Social media campaigns and virtual town halls are also in the works to spread the word, with Rizzo leveraging his podcast, "The Rizzo Report," to reach a broader audience.

The timing of Rizzo's announcement is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with a heated race shaping up between presumptive Democratic nominee Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Republican frontrunners like state Sen. Jon Bramnick or Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who is considering another run. Incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election, opening the field wide. Political analysts suggest Rizzo's entry could siphon votes from the Republican nominee, potentially splitting the conservative vote in a state where Democrats hold a registration advantage. "This is a classic spoiler scenario," said Dr. Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. "Rizzo appeals to the far-right flank that feels the GOP has gone too moderate on issues like abortion and gender education in schools."

At the heart of Rizzo's platform is a call for "restoring moral clarity" to state government. He has been vocal about opposing New Jersey's progressive policies, including its sanctuary state status for immigrants, expansive LGBTQ+ rights legislation, and what he describes as burdensome regulations on businesses. On education, Rizzo advocates for school choice vouchers and greater parental control over curricula, criticizing the Murphy administration's approach to sex education and critical race theory discussions. Economically, he promises to slash property taxes—New Jersey's highest in the nation—by cutting government spending and eliminating what he calls "wasteful programs." Rizzo also supports Second Amendment rights, pledging to roll back some of the state's strict gun control laws.

Faith plays a central role in Rizzo's messaging. As a pastor with over two decades of ministry experience, he frames his campaign as a "spiritual calling" to combat what he sees as secularism eroding American values. "I'm not a politician; I'm a pastor who loves this state and wants to lead it back to its foundational principles," he told reporters. This resonates in New Jersey's diverse religious communities, from evangelical Protestants in the suburbs to Catholic strongholds in urban areas. Rizzo has already secured endorsements from local faith leaders, including pastors from several megachurches, and is courting support from national conservative groups like the Family Research Council.

However, challenges abound for Rizzo's quixotic bid. Write-in campaigns are notoriously difficult to win; the last successful one for a major office in New Jersey was decades ago. Critics, including some within the GOP, accuse Rizzo of ego-driven divisiveness that could hand the election to Democrats. "He's more interested in making noise than governing," quipped one anonymous Republican strategist. Additionally, Rizzo's past controversies, such as his defense of January 6 Capitol riot participants and criticism of mask mandates, may alienate moderate voters in a purple state like New Jersey.

Despite the odds, Rizzo remains undeterred. His campaign has set up a website, WriteInRizzo.com, where supporters can download instructional materials on how to properly cast a write-in vote. Volunteers are being trained to staff polling places on Election Day, November 4, 2025, to assist voters. Fundraising efforts are underway, with Rizzo appealing directly to small donors rather than big-money PACs, emphasizing his outsider status.

Broader implications of Rizzo's campaign extend beyond the governor's race. It underscores the growing influence of faith-based politics in an era of polarization, mirroring national trends seen in figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or even former President Donald Trump. In New Jersey, where urban Democratic strongholds contrast with rural conservative pockets, Rizzo's bid could force major candidates to address issues like religious freedom and family values more directly.

As the 2025 election cycle heats up, Pastor Phil Rizzo's write-in campaign adds an unpredictable element to what promises to be a contentious battle for Drumthwacket, the governor's mansion. Whether he emerges as a kingmaker or a footnote remains to be seen, but his entry ensures that conservative voices will not be sidelined without a fight. Voters across the state will ultimately decide if Rizzo's message of faith and freedom can translate into electoral success.

Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/nj-pastor-launches-write-campaign-governor-2025-election ]