New Jersey
GOP has golden opportunity in NJ governor’s race. But will they pick a winner? | Stile
Republican State Sen. Jon Bramnick announces 2025 run for NJ governor
State Sen. Jon Bramnick, a Republican, announces his run for NJ governor at The Stress Factory in New Brunswick on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.
In the past two weeks, Donald Trump tightened his MAGA grip on the Republican Party and dispatched the nation’s loudest Never Trumper, ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to the dustbin of failed presidential hopefuls.
Yet Republican Jon Bramnick, the veteran state legislator from Union County, ignored the recent past on Saturday as he announced his bid for governor in 2025 at a comedy club in New Brunswick. He declared himself an avowed Never Trumper moderate, but without the bare-knuckled vehemence of Christie.
That’s not surprising. Bramnick, after all, moonlights as a standup comedian. He’s known to test out some of his Borscht Belt-flavored jokes on politicians in the hallways of the Statehouse where he’s served for nearly two decades. His affability has won him friends on both sides of the aisle, ranging from Christie to the current governor, Democrat Phil Murphy.
Christie went right at Trump’s character, calling him a coward and a reckless narcissist who places his own ego ahead of the interests of the nation. In Bramnick’s kickoff ceremony in front of close to 300 friends and supporters, the state senator took aim at the ethos of the Trump cult, but not so much at its leader.
Yet at its heart, the 70-year-old personal injury lawyer’s anti-Trump message was identical to Christie’s And it is this: There is no way that the New Jersey GOP can regain relevance as long as its brand is wedded to the “hateful” rhetoric of the Trump era.
Bramnick defends elections − including Biden’s
“We’ve been losing election after election after election,’’ he told the crowd. “We have always been a party of law and order. But we cannot continue to be the party of law and order if we make excuses for the rioters of Jan. 6 who were beating police officers over the head with sticks.”
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. He continued on this theme, arguing that close to 60 court rulings rejected challenges to the 2020 presidential election.
Respecting the court, he said, is also an essential requirement for a party that once prided itself on its orderly reputation. Bramnick asserted that the party must “call out” those railing against the courts, “even if it’s Donald Trump.”
It was his only mention of the Bedminster golf club owner’s name. Still, Bramnick immediately drew a sharp contrast with former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, another Republican more closely aligned with the party’s moderate wing and who is planning his third run for governor in 2025. Ciattarelli, who once labeled Trump a “charlatan,’’ refuses to criticize him, saying that if elected governor, he may need to work with Trump if he returns to the White House.
Ciattarelli is staring out at a Republican Party now in the throes of MAGA fever. Bramnick is betting that the fever may break by 2025, and the party will un-yoke itself from a figure dragged down by 91 felony counts.
Moderate manifesto
Bramnick’s kickoff was a defiant manifesto of Republican moderation. Instead of retreating from the pillars of the GOP establishment of the past, Bramnick reverentially summoned the hallowed names of Eisenhower and the Bush family, names that make the MAGA crowd fume with fury.
In fact, the campaign shared video endorsements of George P. Bush, the grandson of President George H.W. Bush and a former Texas state official, and former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio moderate who was run out of Washington by the Tea Party activists, the pro-MAGA right wing faction of the GOP.
“The history of my Republican Party has always been defined by humility and service to our country, virtues and concepts that I was proud,’’ he said. “The voters we need no longer view our party that way.”
Bramnick also vowed to restore “balance’’ to Trenton, where the Democrats have ruled the legislature for two decades. He promised compromise and enactment of tough-on-crime measures that he believes appeal to the Main Street centrism of New Jersey. (One position he championed, however – a return to mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for judges – has long been discredited as a failed policy that sent generations of low-risk offenders to prison and into the endless treadmill of the state’s criminal justice system.)
The question now looming for Bramnick: Is his moderate manifesto a legitimate strategy or just wishful thinking?
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Some believe Bramnick could make a formidable general election candidate in 2025. His vow to restore bipartisanship and compromise could appeal to a New Jersey electorate that normally takes a chance with the opposition party after a governor has held the office for two consecutive terms.
Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, believes Bramnick could actually draw some encouragement from the recent New Hampshire primary performance of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who finished in second place.
Why 2025 could be Republicans’ year
Even though Trump beat her by 11 points, she captured 58% of independents. Exit polls also found that four out of 10 Haley voters declared that they would vote for Biden rather than Trump in November.
“It would be very unusual, historically, for us to have a third Democratic term in a row,’’ Rasmussen said of the coming governor’s race. “So I think he can probably make the case for balance and for giving the Republican side a chance.”
But getting through a Republican primary will be the key challenge. Right now, Bramnick and Ciattarelli are likely fighting for the middle, but right-wing radio host Bill Spadea has been raising money. He’s forged ties with influential Ocean County GOP leader George Gilmore (who was at Saturday’s event.)
Bramnick may hope the fever breaks, but right now, the GOP remains in the grips of MAGA voters, who have no patience for Never Trump attacks.
The senator’s moderate pitch is “not going to fly up here,’’ said Robert Kovic, executive secretary of the Sussex County Republican Party, where Trump is overwhelmingly popular.
Some officials say the race is light years away, and that Bramnick’s skills and experience and Jersey guy amiability might just work. It’s too early to worry about the dynamics of the primary.
“Eighteen years ago, I started in the state Assembly and made a few friends on both sides,’’ Bramnick said. “And I think I know the process pretty well.”
But he is also new to the process of running for governor. And he’s an untested candidate testing a Never Trump message that seems out of step with his party.
New Jersey
Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for May 9, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Saturday, May 9 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $47 million ($21.0 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Saturday’s drawing are 15, 41, 46, 47, and 56, with Powerball number 22. The Power Play number is 2.
Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?
No one won the Powerball jackpot.
When is the next drawing of the Powerball?
The next Powerball drawing is Monday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?
In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
What does it cost to play Powerball?
Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.
Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.
To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.
What is the Powerball payout?
The complete guide to winnings is:
- Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
- Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
- Match 4 White Balls: $100
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
- Match 3 White Balls: $7
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
- Match Powerball: $4
- Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
- Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
- Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
- Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
- Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
- Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
- Match Powerball with Power Play: $16
What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?
The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.
How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?
Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.
New Jersey
NJ ex-fireman ‘ready for war’ when he launched into violent rampage triggered by breakup: prosecutors
A crazed ex-fireman allegedly launched into a violent rampage after his ex-girlfriend dumped him — and was “ready for war” when he drove eight hours intending to kill her family in New Jersey, according to prosecutors.
Brian John Lanzim, 37, was armed with two guns and a bulletproof vest when he headed from Bangor, Maine to South Toms River, after the mother of his two kids broke up with him and filed a temporary restraining order against him, authorities said.
He allegedly wanted to kill off his ex’s family to get custody of his kids, according to prosecutors — but his lawyer claimed he was actually trying to die “by suicide by cops,” according to Patch.com.
“He absolutely f–ked up. He f–ked up big time,” Lanzim’s good friend, who asked not to be named, told The Post.
The former Toms River firefighter allegedly sent terrifying threats to his ex on April 29 — letting her know he was armed, dangerous and on his way over.
“If your father is there I’m going to take him out” and beat him “pulseless,” he allegedly told the woman, as Ocean County Judge Pamela M. Snyder read aloud in court Friday morning.
“You don’t know crazy yet,” he also allegedly warned his ex during a chilling FaceTime call, NJ.com reported.
The people inside the home he was targeting fled the scene and alerted police long before he arrived, authorities said.
When Lanzim showed up after 9:40 p.m., he allegedly floored his Toyota 4Runner over the lawn in a sick attempt to run over the waiting cops, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
The officers then dove behind a fence and watched as gun-wielding Lanzim pounded on a locked door of the vacant house, prosecutors said.
“Brian, put it down!” one of the Toms River police officers demanded, according to NJ.com.
“No!” Lanzim resisted, per the body camera footage.
Police then fired at Lanzim, striking him in his hand and pelvis nonfatality. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune before being moved to Ocean County Jail.
Investigators found a loaded rifle and a large amount of ammunition magazines in his car, prosecutors said. He reportedly had a handgun on him when he was shot.
He’s been charged with three counts of attempted murder, two counts of weapons possession for an unlawful purpose, unlawful use of body armor, burglary, terroristic threats and 22 counts of possession of a large capacity of ammunition magazines.
“He was ready for war,” Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater said at his detention hearing — warning that if the victims hadn’t fled the home and called police before he arrived, he would have committed even more heinous crimes.
Brater went on to claim that Lanzim’s sinister plan was to kill or harm his ex’s family so he could get full custody.
But Lanzim’s lawyer Marissa Koerner brazenly argued his alleged violent outburst was caused by a mental breakdown triggered by the breakup. He also has bipolar disorder and was in treatment for it, she said.
“‘I f–king lost her, man. Tell her and the boys I love them,’” Lanzim allegedly said, per an affidavit Koerner read aloud.
“He loves his family,” she argued.
By wearing a bulletproof vest, Lanzim was trying to “force a kill shot to the head” during his heated exchange with police, the lawyer told the court.
But Brater shot down these claims — alleging that his targets begged him not to go through with his horrifying plot.
He also allegedly has a track-record of violence — including an instance where he pulled a gun on his ex and said, “If I can’t have you, no one can.”
The judge ordered that Lanzim will remain in custody awaiting trial, according to court records. He’s due back in court on May 18.
Lanzim was a fireman and EMT in Ocean County for about 18 years before heading to Bangor in September 2025 for a new job.
“He couldn’t find employment in New Jersey,” his close friend claimed. “I’m not sure what was going on, I guess things fell apart up there [in Bangor].”
Lanzim’s friend spoke with him just days before the incident.
“I had messaged him and asked him if he was okay. He said no. I said, ‘does it have to do with the kid’s mother?’ And he said yes,” the man said.
“I asked, ‘you need me to call you?’ and he was like, ‘I’m okay, I’m just at Applebee’s trying to find the bottom of the glass right now.’”
The next time he heard Lanzim’s name was when he made headlines for the alleged horrors.
“I hope that kid [Lanzim] gets the help he needs,” the friend said. “Brian sometimes doesn’t act like an adult, and where he is now and where he’s going to be going, he has no choice but to. I would say man up.”
Lanzim’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
New Jersey
Woman charged with theft for taking dog outside N.J. home, police say
A woman has been charged with theft for taking a dog outside a Clifton, New Jersey, home in April, police say.
Last month, William Chan told CBS News New York his dog, a 7-year-old Shih Tzu-Yorkshire Terrier mix named Rocky, somehow got out of the house on April 5 while his nephew was dog-sitting.
The Clifton Police Department said investigators determined that while Rocky was loose, he ran down the street and was running in or near the road at times.
Video shows Rocky did eventually return to his own yard, and a child holding a blanket can be seen chasing the dog before a woman gets out of a black SUV parked in the road. Rocky then runs onto the back porch of his home, where the woman and child corner him, grab him with a blanket, take him back to the SUV, and drive away.
The family said Rocky was wearing a harness and ID tag at the time.
Police said the woman did not make any attempt to talk to anyone inside the home or any neighbors, and neither animal control nor police received any calls about a loose dog being found on that day.
Chan called police on April 6 to report that Rocky had possibly been stolen, and investigators were later able to identify 29-year-old Mery Cepeda-Chevalier, of Newark, as a person of interest.
Officers spotted Cepeda-Chevalier’s vehicle in Passaic on April 8 and pulled her over, police said.
According to police, Cepeda-Chevalier cooperated with detectives, admitted she had Rocky, and agreed to have the detectives follow her back to her home. She then handed over the dog, and detectives reunited Rocky with his family.
On Thursday, Cepeda-Chevalier was charged via summons with one count of theft of a domestic companion animal.
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