A Democrat mayor in New Jersey is set to endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and is expected to switch parties, marking a significant political shift in the state. Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr., a Democrat, plans to announce his decision this week.

Garfield, the fifth-largest municipality in Bergen County, has seen a notable realignment. Four years ago, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy won the city by 151 votes, but in 2024, voters backed Donald Trump by nearly nine percentage points. The town is 77% White, with 32% identifying as Hispanic in a survey where multiple responses were allowed.

Garnto, a former school board member and longtime president of the Garfield Police Benevolent Association Local 46, was elected to the city council in 2024. Despite local tradition favoring the candidate with the most votes, his colleagues selected him as mayor. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill finished third in the June primary with 22.2%, while Newark Mayor Ras Baraka led Rep. Josh Gottheimer with 28.9% to 22.4%.

Ciattarelli has garnered support from several Democratic officials, including Dover Mayor James P. Dodd and Jamel Holley, a former State Assembly member and Roselle mayor. The candidate questioned the political dynamics, asking, “Don’t believe people have had it with Murphy & Mikie’s failed policies? Then why are Democratic mayors endorsing me — and even switching parties?” He emphasized that the shift reflects New Jersey’s demand for change.

Garfield, a city of about 32,000 residents, has historically been a blue-collar Democratic stronghold. However, recent trends show such areas leaning Republican while wealthier suburbs grow more Democratic. In 2021, Ciattarelli narrowly lost Garfield to Murphy by around 150 votes, but Trump secured the city by nearly 900 in 2023.

The mayor’s endorsement raises questions about its impact on Ciattarelli’s campaign. While cross-party support often boosts candidates, the significance of Garnto’s move remains to be seen.