NEWARK, NJ – Tonight was the third and last GOP gubernatorial debate in New Jersey and it gave voters a revealing look at the character and capabilities of the leading candidates—the contrast could not have been more drastic.
Senator Jon Bramnick brought some welcome humor to the stage. His light-hearted moments showed he has charm and wit, but unfortunately, that’s where his strengths ended. When it came to strength of conviction or policy leadership, Bramnick was noticeably weak. In a time when New Jerseyans are desperate for bold ideas and firm direction, his performance lacked the substance and courage voters need.
Then there was Jack Ciattarelli—full of aggression, but devoid of clarity. He stumbled over his rehearsed talking points, misspeaking and misfiring as he attempted to land attacks. Rather than presenting a compelling vision for the state, he leaned heavily on lies, mischaracterizations, and smug self-congratulations. It was a performance long on ego and short on answers.
Bill Spadea, by contrast, brought something sorely missing in New Jersey politics: courage and clarity. While others deflected or postured, Spadea laid out specific, actionable plans to make our state more affordable and giving families more freedom. He spoke with conviction about parental rights, tax reform, spending cuts, and restoring local control—issues that matter to working families. His ideas were rooted in principle, not poll-tested platitudes. Most notably, Bill Spadea was the ONLY candidate to be able to answer the question of exactly what $100 million line item they would cut from the budget and the only candidate to give an answer of where the State Budget would be under his administration.
In a night filled with noise, it was Spadea who delivered the substance. He didn’t dodge the tough questions—he met them head-on. That’s what leadership looks like. And that’s what New Jersey desperately needs.
