Jack Ciattarelli Taps Morris Co. Sheriff As Running Mate

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Republican gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli has officially announced his choice for his lieutenant governor nominee — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.

The announcement was made at a special event, hosted by the Morris County Republican Committee, on Wednesday morning at Johnnies Tavern in Boonton.

"With decades of service in law enforcement and public safety, Sheriff Gannon brings the bold, commonsense leadership New Jersey needs," Ciattarelli said in a social media post. "From launching lifesaving initiatives like HOPE ONE to forming Morris County’s Cold Case Unit, he’s spent his career defending the rule of law, helping those in need, and making our communities safer. Jim is a proven leader with bipartisan respect—and exactly the partner I need to deliver real change for our state."

The announcement came as no surprise to many, as Ciattarelli's choice had been confirmed by several sources Tuesday afternoon, according to reports.

Several other prospects were reportedly in the running for the nomination, including Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-Chester), Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, and State Senator Holly Schepisi (R-River Vale).

Sheriff Gannon, 64, serves as the 77th Sheriff of Morris County and began his first, three-year term in 2017, after being endorsed by former Democratic Gov. Richard Codey. Gannon was re-elected to his third term in 2023 and is currently in the ninth year of the position.

The Boonton native is the son of a New York City police detective, and joined the force himself after earning his Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from County College of Morris, and then his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from William Paterson University.

He first served as a beat cop for the Boonton Police Department, eventually becoming Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. He also served the FBI’s elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and Morris County-based Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he retired as the Global Head of Security Risk, according to his online bio.

Ciattarelli ‘crossed into enemy territory,' so to speak, as Gannon lives and works in the district represented by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill.

Sherrill Still Deciding Lt. Governor Pick, Report Says

Sherrill has until July 28 to choose a nominee for her lieutenant governor.

According to a report from the New Jersey Globe, Sherrill’s short list includes Assistant Attorney General and former Newark mayoral candidate Shavar Jeffries, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ President Carlos Medina, Centenary College President Dale Caldwell, and Samuel A. Delgado, the vice chair of the NJ State Cannabis Regulatory Commission.