Jack Ciattarelli has a net worth of $8-12 million, built through his medical publishing business and smart investments. The 63-year-old Republican made $3.8 million over five years and is now the GOP nominee for New Jersey governor in 2025.
Quick Facts About Jack’s Money
Jack earned his fortune as owner of Galen Publishing, a medical journal company that worked with pharmaceutical companies. His best year was 2016 when he made $1.26 million, while his worst was 2014 at $461,309.
He’s currently the top Republican fundraiser, raising $2.93 million for his 2025 campaign with $1.54 million cash on hand.
How Jack Built His Wealth
Galen Publishing: The Million-Dollar Medical Empire
Jack owned Galen Publishing LLC from 2000 to 2017. The Somerville-based company had 30 employees and published pharmacy journals and continuing education materials.
Between 2007-2016, pharmaceutical companies paid Galen $12.28 million – about 92% of the company’s total income. The business worked with the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy to create educational content for doctors and pharmacists.
When Jack sold Galen Publishing in 2017, it likely netted him several million dollars from the sale.
Smart Stock Investments
Jack and his wife Melinda invested in major companies including:
- Technology: Apple, Microsoft, Facebook
- Healthcare: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer
- Banking: Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase
- Energy: Chevron, ConocoPhillips
- Industrial: Boeing, General Electric
They also owned Morgan Stanley accounts and state bonds that generated regular dividend income.
Personal Life: From Marriage to Separation
Family Changes in 2023
Jack married Melinda in 1995 and they raised four adult children together. In June 2023, he announced they had separated after 28 years of marriage.
The news became public when photos showed Melinda at a political event supporting Jack’s rival Bill Spadea. “The sad news is that Melinda and I have separated earlier this year,” Jack said.
Both Jack and Melinda drew income and pensions from Galen Publishing during their marriage.
Health Battle: Cancer Survivor
In 2016, Jack was diagnosed with throat cancer while running for governor. He revealed he was cancer-free in March 2017, showing his determination to continue his political career.
This health scare happened during the 2017 Republican primary, where he came in second place behind Kim Guadagno.
Political Career and Income
Assembly Salary and Benefits
Jack served in the New Jersey Assembly from 2011-2018, earning $49,000 per year. He also served as Somerset County Freeholder from 2007-2011.
He receives pensions from both his state legislative service and from Galen Publishing.
2025 Campaign Success
Jack leads all Republican candidates in fundraising:
- Jack Ciattarelli: $2.93 million raised, $1.54 million net worth
- Jon Bramnick: $1.54 million raised, $384,494 net worth
- Bill Spadea: $1.13 million raised, $470,797 net worth
He qualified for the maximum $5.5 million in public matching funds, giving him a total budget of $8.7 million.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Wealth Source | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Galen Publishing Sale | $4-6 million |
| Stock Portfolio | $2-3 million |
| Real Estate | $1-2 million |
| Pension Benefits | $400,000+ |
| Business Assets | $200,000+ |
| Total Net Worth | $8-12 million |
Charitable Giving and Lifestyle
From 2012-2016, Jack gave $104,221 to charity – about 3% of his total earnings. This shows consistent charitable giving throughout his successful business years.
He lived in Hillsborough Township from 1998-2023 before moving to Somerville. Despite his wealth, he maintains a middle-class lifestyle.
Business Ethics Questions
Some critics questioned Jack’s pharmaceutical connections. Galen Publishing produced content that downplayed opioid addiction risks, saying “the risk of opioid misuse is low among patients with chronic pain.”
Between 2007-2016, drug companies paid Galen over $12 million to create educational materials that some viewed as marketing tools.
Current Political Position
Jack won the 2025 Republican primary with 68% of the vote after getting Donald Trump’s endorsement. He’ll face Democrat Mikie Sherrill in November.
His main campaign promises include:
- Cutting corporate tax rate by 1% per year
- Reducing state spending by 30%
- Capping property taxes to home value percentage
- Eliminating estate and inheritance taxes
Trump’s Endorsement Boost
President Trump endorsed Jack in May 2025, calling him “the only individual who can defeat the Democrats in November.”
This endorsement helped Jack dominate the Republican primary and raise millions in campaign funds.
FAQs About Jack Ciattarelli’s Wealth
Q: How much is Jack Ciattarelli worth?
A: His net worth is estimated at $8-12 million, mainly from his medical publishing business.
Q: How did he make his money?
A: Through Galen Publishing, which earned $12.28 million from pharmaceutical companies over nine years.
Q: Is he still married?
A: No, he separated from wife Melinda in 2023 after 28 years of marriage.
Q: What happened to his business?
A: He sold Galen Publishing in 2017, likely for several million dollars.
Q: How much has he raised for 2025?
A: $2.93 million in private donations plus $5.5 million in public matching funds.
The Bottom Line
Jack Ciattarelli built his multi-million fortune through smart business decisions in medical publishing. His wealth comes from legitimate entrepreneurship, though some question his pharmaceutical industry ties.
As he runs for governor in 2025, his business success is both an asset and potential liability. Voters will decide if his entrepreneurial background makes him the right choice to lead New Jersey’s economy.
With Trump’s backing and strong fundraising, Jack remains the GOP frontrunner despite personal challenges. His story shows how business success can translate into political influence in American politics.
Disclaimer: Net worth estimates are based on public tax returns and financial disclosures. Actual wealth may vary as complete financial information is not publicly available.