New Jersey Gubernatorial Debates at Rider University

Rider University is proud to host the New Jersey gubernatorial primary debates, showcasing the state’s leading candidates as they vie to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy. This exciting event underscores Rider’s commitment to civic engagement, offering students and the community an unparalleled opportunity to engage with New Jersey’s political future.

The Democratic debate will take place on Sunday, February 2, at 7 p.m., followed by the Republican debate on Tuesday, February 4, at 7 p.m. Both debates will be held at Rider’s Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) Theatre and are open to invited guests and participants.

Confirmed candidates for the Democratic debate include 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 State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, former State Sen. Ed Durr, and NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea.

The debates are sponsored by The New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, with Save Jersey joining as a sponsor for the Republican debate. Emmy Award-winning journalist Laura Jones, host of “New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones,” will moderate both events.

Panelists include Micah Rasmussen, director of Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics; David Wildstein, editor of the New Jersey Globe; and Joey Fox, political reporter for the New Jersey Globe. Save Jersey Editor Matt Rooney will join the panel for the Republican debate.

Audiences can stream the debates live or watch replays on newjerseyglobe.com and onnj.com.