A new poll suggests that Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has a path to victory in the upcoming New Jersey governor’s race by focusing his campaign on opposition to transgender rights.
Survey Highlights
The poll, commissioned by the American Principles Project, found that 68% of New Jersey voters oppose allowing biological boys who identify as transgender to compete against girls in sports. Just 22% of respondents supported transgender participation in sports.
The survey also revealed significant opposition to taxpayer-funded gender transition or sex reassignment surgeries for minors, with 70% of voters opposing such funding, and only 20% supporting it.
Additionally, 60% of voters said they opposed public elementary schools teaching about sexual orientation and transgender ideology, while 31% supported such education.
Ciattarelli’s Strategy
Ciattarelli’s Democratic opponent, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, has publicly supported transgender rights, which has become a focal point of the gubernatorial race.
Despite initial polling showing Sherrill with a lead of 50% to 43% over Ciattarelli, a shift occurred when voters were informed about Sherrill’s stance on transgender issues.
After learning about Sherrill’s support for transgender rights, the race became a dead heat, with Sherrill leading by only 46% to 45%.
The American Principles Project emphasized that the polling demonstrates widespread dissatisfaction with the “far-left’s woke, anti-family agenda” and signals that these cultural issues could play a decisive role in the election.
Cultural Issues and New Jersey Voters
According to the poll, 53% of New Jersey voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction, with just 35% believing the state is on the right track.
Economic concerns, including inflation, cost of living, and taxes, were cited by 53% of voters as the most pressing issues.
The American Principles Project sees transgender rights and parental rights as central to the race, as they resonate across party lines. The group believes Ciattarelli can capitalize on these issues to secure victory in a traditionally blue state.
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Key Takeaways
- Transgender rights and parental rights are emerging as significant issues in New Jersey’s governor’s race.
- Voters’ opposition to transgender participation in sports, taxpayer-funded gender surgeries for minors, and public school teaching on sexual orientation indicates a shift in public sentiment.
- With New Jersey voters expressing concern about the state’s direction, Ciattarelli’s campaign may gain momentum by emphasizing these cultural and economic issues.
The survey, conducted by Cygnal, polled 500 likely general election voters between June 19-20 and has a margin of error of ±4.36%.
What are your thoughts on the role of cultural issues in this race? Let us know in the comments below. For more insights and updates on the New Jersey governor’s race, visit ridgecrestpact.org
