Democrats and Republicans preparing for their party's primaries in June will participate in debates at Rider University, Lawrenceville. The Democratic debate is scheduled for February 2, while the Republican debate will occur on February 4.
A total of ten candidates from each party are competing for nominations, with primary winners set to contest in the general election on November 4. Governor Phil Murphy is not eligible for re-election due to term limits.
Confirmed attendees for the Democratic debate include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Republican candidates participating on February 4 are state Senator Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, former state Senator Ed Durr, and NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea.
The New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and Rider University's Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics sponsor the debates. Save Jersey is an additional sponsor for the Republican event. Laura Jones will moderate both debates.
Micah Rasmussen from Rider’s Rebovich Institute will join as a panelist alongside David Wildstein and Joey Fox from New Jersey Globe. Matt Rooney from Save Jersey will be a panelist specifically for the Republican debate.
Both events can be streamed live or watched later via newjerseyglobe.com and onnj.com.
