Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has returned a $500 campaign contribution from embattled Republican National Committeeman Bill Palatucci. The move distances Ciattarelli from political scrutiny surrounding Palatucci, a close ally of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
In a statement, Ciattarelli emphasized he had not sought Palatucci’s support. “While I greatly respect the efforts of all those who host Ciattarelli for Governor campaign events, I did not personally seek or solicit support from Bill Palatucci, and his contribution of last Thursday is being returned,” he said.
Palatucci’s Political Challenges and GOP Tensions
Palatucci, who has served as New Jersey’s Republican National Committeeman since 2010, faces potential removal from his seat during the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting next year. Under Rule No. 4(b), the RNC can deny a seat to members who refuse to support the party’s presidential nominee, a position Palatucci risks over his refusal to back Trump in the general election.
Palatucci’s political troubles stem from his alignment with Christie, whom he supported as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024. He reportedly engaged in discussions about Christie running as an independent “No Labels” candidate in the general election. Notably, Palatucci arrived late to the 2020 Republican National Convention, missing Trump’s official nomination roll call.
Contributions and Neutrality in the Governor’s Race
Palatucci’s $500 donation to Ciattarelli last week followed a $1,000 contribution in August to State Senator Jon Bramnick, another Republican candidate in the 2025 gubernatorial primary. Despite these financial contributions, Palatucci has maintained neutrality in the governor’s race, stating, “My contributions to Ciattarelli and Bramnick shouldn’t be read as an endorsement.”
Historical Context: RNC and Christie’s Influence
Palatucci’s strained relationship with the broader GOP extends back to 2021 when Ciattarelli narrowly lost to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy by three percentage points. At the time, Palatucci refrained from involving the RNC in Ciattarelli’s campaign, deeming the race unwinnable—a sentiment echoed by Christie to the Republican Governors Association.
Earlier this year, Palatucci narrowly retained his RNC seat, defeating Atlantic County GOP Chairman Donald Purdy by a 22-20 vote in a contest that underscored the ongoing rift between Christie and Trump factions. Christie personally lobbied on Palatucci’s behalf, while Trump endorsed Purdy.
Strategic Implications for Ciattarelli
By returning Palatucci’s donation, Ciattarelli mitigates potential backlash from pro-Trump Republicans while maintaining focus on his gubernatorial campaign. This calculated decision highlights the delicate balance Republican candidates face in navigating party divisions ahead of the 2024 election cycle.