New Jersey GOP Candidate's Aide Sparks Controversy Over Anti-Semitic, Anti–Same-Sex Marriage Remarks

Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, is facing controversy over comments made by his aide, Ibrar Nadeem, who stated opposition to same-sex marriage and made remarks about the Jewish community that many have condemned as antisemitic. Nadeem, introduced as Ciattarelli's executive director for Muslim relations, explicitly said that Ciattarelli would seek to ban same-sex marriage if elected, citing Ciattarelli's past votes against marriage equality in the New Jersey General Assembly. Ciattarelli has pushed back against criticisms, asserting his support for same-sex marriage and accusing opponents of lying and attempting to divide communities, though he has not clearly disavowed Nadeem's statements. The controversy has sparked calls from Ciattarelli's Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, for him to denounce the aide's remarks and apologize, while advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign have condemned the opposition to marriage equality. Ciattarelli's past record includes voting against marriage equality in 2012 and opposing some LGBTQ+ rights legislation, contributing to concerns about his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The situation has intensified scrutiny of Ciattarelli's campaign and his ties to Nadeem amid the upcoming gubernatorial election.