Comedian won’t run for New Jersey governor as Republican
TRENTON, N.J. — A comedian best known for his Frank Sinatra impression on “Saturday Night Live” won’t run as a Republican in New Jersey’s upcoming governor’s race, but Joe Piscopo says he is “more serious than ever” about joining the field as an independent.
A longtime Democrat until recently and a backer of President Donald Trump, Piscopo’s potential candidacy to replace Republican Gov. Chris Christie has been a constant question mark in New Jersey, which along with Virginia is one of only two governor’s races in the U.S. this year.
The news that the radio host is skipping the Republican primary and leaving the party to become an independent comes ahead of a pending registration deadline and sets him up for a long shot third-party bid.
“I am more serious about this than ever before. We’re coming up with initiatives. It’s all working out,” he said. “I’m very, very excited to have an opportunity to help the people of New Jersey. I’m not being coy. I’m very careful and respectful.”