Rider University to host pair of gubernatorial primary debates
Jan 23, 2025
LAWRENCE — Rider University will host New Jersey’s gubernatorial primary debates in February as 10 candidates compete to replace Gov. Phil Murphy.
The Democratic debate is set for Feb. 2 at 7 p.m., followed by the Republican debate on Feb. 4. Both events will take place in the Bart Luedeke Center Theater on Rider’s campus.
Six Democrats will participate: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.
The Republican debate will feature four candidates: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, former State Sen. Ed Durr and NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea.
The New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey and Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics are sponsoring both debates. Save Jersey joins as a sponsor for the Republican debate.
Emmy Award winner Laura Jones, host of “New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones,” will moderate. The panel includes Rebovich Institute Director Micah Rasmussen, New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein and reporter Joey Fox. Save Jersey Editor Matt Rooney will join the panel for the Republican debate.
Viewers can watch live streams and replays on newjerseyglobe.com and onnj.com.