In their final showdown before the June 10 primary, New Jersey Democrats debate Trump and promise to resist his influence in the state. The candidates gathered Sunday night to present their plans for New Jersey and to make their case to Democratic voters.
Five top contenders took the stage: Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney. Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller was excluded due to fundraising limits.
Over two and a half hours, the candidates tackled key local issues. These included education, transit, taxes, and state spending. However, they all returned to a common theme: confronting President Donald Trump.
New Jersey is one of only two states, along with Virginia, holding gubernatorial elections this year. These races offer early insight into how voters are responding to Trump’s second term.
On the Republican side, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli has emerged as the front-runner. Trump endorsed him last week, solidifying his influence in the GOP primary.
Meanwhile, the Democratic race remains highly competitive. During Sunday’s event, candidates made their stance on Trump clear. Gottheimer said, “The job of the governor is to fight him.” Baraka, recently arrested during a protest at an immigration facility, echoed that sentiment. He called for direct resistance, claiming the charges against him were politically driven.
Fulop urged a strong response to Trump’s policies. Sweeney called Trump “a criminal.” Sherrill, who leads in some internal polls, called Trump “the most corrupt president” in U.S. history.
The debate also focused on how state institutions should handle threats to federal funding tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. All five candidates agreed that schools and universities should stand firm against federal pressure.
As New Jersey Democrats debate Trump, the state’s voters prepare to choose their nominee. With national stakes high and emotions running strong, the race remains wide open.
The outcome could signal how Democrats plan to counter Trump at the state level this election cycle.
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