It seems like Democrats switching to the Republican Party is a more frequent occurrence in the last several years than it has been in decades, and this week brought another example of it happening.
According to Breitbart, Garfield, New Jersey Mayor Everett E. Garnto, Jr. presumably shocked his supporters and colleagues by announcing his exit from the Dem Party in order to join the other side.
What makes his switch especially notable is the fact that he not only left his party, but immediately endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli for governor.
The move undoubtedly tossed a massive wrench in the upcoming election cycle, and will make for a major shift in one Bergen County’s largest municipalities.
Garnto made the announcement during Ciattarelli’s Garfield Rally last week, sending shockwaves through the community and the New Jersey political world.
Michael Casey, the New Jersey State Director for Early Vote Action, announced the bombshell news in an X post.
"Democrat mayor of Garfield NJ has officially SWITCHED parties 🔵->🔴 and ENDORSED Republican Jack Ciatteralli for Governor MAJOR endorsement for @Jack4NJ in a city that has been a longtime Democrat stronghold. Standing room only as hundreds of Garfield residents were in attendance," he wrote.
🚨NEW JERSEY
Democrat mayor of Garfield NJ has officially SWITCHED parties 🔵->🔴 and ENDORSED Republican Jack Ciatteralli for Governor
MAJOR endorsement for @Jack4NJ in a city that has been a longtime Democrat stronghold
Standing room only as hundreds of Garfield residents… pic.twitter.com/NdLhYX76FA
— Michael Casey (@MichaelCasey_) September 4, 2025
Breitbart noted:
Garnto, a retired Garfield police officer who served 29 years on the force and 12 years as president of the local Police Benevolent Association, was elected to the city council in November 2024 as a Democrat. He later became mayor after his colleagues selected him for the position.
While the county has had a Democratic stronghold, Trump won the county by nine points in the 2024 election.
Garnto also admitted that he supported President Trump during the election.
Users across social media weighed in on the news of the party switch.
"Welcome to the family!" one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Maybe the other sensible Democrats should too."
