The frontrunners in the Republican field to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy participated Tuesday night in the first debate of the cycle, which got heated at times.

New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, the Rebovich Institute of New Jersey Politics at Rider University and Save New Jersey sponsored the event, held at the Bart Luedeke Center Theater at Rider University. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey presented the forum.

On New Jersey’s Laura Jones moderated the debate. Panelists included New Jersey Globe Editor David Wildstein and Washington, D.C., reporter Joey Fox; Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute; and Save Jersey Editor Matt Rooney. Some questions also came from Rider students.

The debate participants included:

• Jon Bramnick
• Jack Ciattarelli
• Ed Durr
• Bill Spadea

Throughout the nearly two-hour debate, tensions ran high as the candidates sparred – often interrupting and throwing barbs at each other – on a range of issues, such as: the impacts of longtime Democratic rule in Trenton, crime, parental rights, overdevelopment, affordable housing, immigration, abortion, property taxes, education, pandemic response, DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and of course – support and/or distance from President Donald Trump on all of the above.

New Jersey Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate https://t.co/BgzaruFA2z

— New Jersey Globe (@TheNJGlobe) February 4, 2025

‘Seeking political power is like a drug’

“Boy, you listen to these guys tonight and you really get the feeling that seeking political power is like a drug,” said Spadea, during his closing statement. “I’m going to commit to you tonight to serve one term as your governor – because we have to separate the politics of re-election from the job of governing. And when you look at what has to happen in this state, a lot of unpopular political decisions will be made. It’s going to be a tough, tough road. And that’s why I make that commitment.

“Now, who do we need to elect? Well, we got to get through this primary.

“I’m the only one who appeals to Democrats because I haven’t given up my principles to do it,” Spadea continued. “I am a strong pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-law-and-enforcement, pro-parental rights, conservative with common sense. Now Jon [Bramnick], I’m going to give you some credit. At least Jon Bramnick, when he goes after President Trump and says he doesn’t like him – he’s being honest. Unlike Jack Ciattarelli, who is a liar. This is a man who didn’t vote for Trump; who didn’t advocate for Trump; who didn’t want him in the state; and got behind two Never Trumpers in the 2024 primary – Chris Christie and Nikki Haley – writing two checks for a lot of money to Chris Christie.

“Now, I’m up here asking for your vote,” said Spadea as he closed out. “Because I’ll tell you guys – we could do more of the same. And it’s any one of these guys. I’m different. I’m common sense grounded. I am one of you – and we’re in this fight together. And I humbly ask for your support – I want to serve as your governor.”

“What Bill Spadea did when Chris Christie was trying to qualify for the New Hampshire primaries – he had him on the radio show; gave him a very favorable 30-minute interview; and tried to help him raise money to qualify for the presidential primary. That’s when Donald Trump was running for president,” said Ciattarelli. “When Donald Trump was running for president, you said he was beaten: he was tired; he lacked courage; he lacked commitment; he should have resigned and let Joe Biden finish the job. He was a failure, and you were endorsing Ron DeSantis.

‘A consistent record of winning’

“Jon Bramnick said he would drop out of this race if Donald Trump won,” said Ciattarelli, as Bramnick added: “New Jersey.”

“We’ve got crises in this state – and we need a serious candidate, a serious candidate who brings very positive energy to the campaign; is going to get up-and-down the state,” Ciattarelli said. “And unlike my two opponents, raise the money necessary to win the election. There’s only one candidate that’s been able to do that – it’s Jack Ciattarelli. I hope to have the support and vote of Republican primary voters.”

“The facts are still the facts,” said Bramnick. “My friend, Bill Spadea, hasn’t won an election. He’s lost elections. Jack has already been rejected by the voters on two occasions. So, it doesn’t make any sense to go back for a third time – when they’ve already rejected him. My friend, Ed the Trucker, he came in for two years – and then he lost. I have a consistent record of winning in districts that are dominated by Democrats and dominated by independent voters.

“And the reason is – because I say it the way it is. I don’t simply change my views the way Jack Ciattarelli does, depending on which year it is,” Bramnick continued. “I don’t go out on the internet and read something – and that becomes my philosophy; I rely on science. People trust me because I will tell you the truth – whether or not it fits the partisan agenda at that time. I will win the general election in November – without any doubt – by more than 10 points.”

‘A regular guy just like you’

“For those of you who don’t remember me, I’m the guy who defeated the Senate President [Steve Sweeney]. And I plan on shocking the establishment again by becoming governor – with your help,” said Durr. “It’s no secret New Jersey has an affordability problem. I’m a regular guy just like you. And the working class has been getting crushed by high taxes in New Jersey. Democrats don’t know how to fix it – and the establishment don’t want to fix it.

“The only way to fix New Jersey is by doing something different,” Durr continued. “And I’m different. As governor, I will have access to the best and brightest minds New Jersey has to offer. And working together, we will solve New Jersey’s affordability crisis. It comes down to this. Who do you trust? The establishment or somebody just like you – Ed the Trucker. Go to EdtheTrucker.com and learn more.”

Check out the full debate here.