Former Assemblyman and 2025 gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021, seems to be increasing his lead in what has become a crowded Republican field that now has 11 declared candidates.

Bill Spadea with his wife Jodi. (Supplied Photo)

An Emerson College poll released on Jan. 21 had shown Ciattarelli had a 26% to 13% lead over his closest competitor, former radio talk show host Bill Spadea. But on Feb. 7 a new poll, by KAConsulting, showed Ciattarelli beating Spadea by a 42% to 13% margin.