Democratic Representative Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw recently engaged in their first debate for New Jersey’s Senate seat, left vacant this year following Bob Menendez’s bribery conviction and subsequent resignation. Kim, a three-term representative from the 3rd District, criticized Bashaw for his ties to former President Donald Trump and expressed doubt about Bashaw’s stance as a supporter of abortion rights. On the other hand, Bashaw, a hotel developer from southern New Jersey and a first-time candidate, attempted to position himself as a moderate while labeling Kim as a Washington insider.
During the debate, there was a brief interruption when Bashaw abruptly stopped talking and needed a break due to hunger. After a ten-minute absence, Bashaw attributed his pause to not eating enough that day. One of the key topics of contention between the candidates was abortion. While both candidates advocate for abortion rights, Bashaw previously indicated support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that led to the end of Roe v. Wade, despite New Jersey laws protecting abortion rights.
Kim criticized Bashaw for his endorsement of Trump and questioned his judgment based on this association. However, Bashaw, who defeated a Trump-endorsed opponent in the primary, refrained from explicitly defending the former president, underscoring the need for making choices during elections. Bashaw highlighted his background as a businessperson and emphasized his support for abortion rights and LGBTQ rights, portraying himself as a diverse candidate challenging traditional Republican stereotypes.
Immigration emerged as another focal point of the debate, with Bashaw characterizing it as a crisis in New Jersey and attributing costs to the state. Given New Jersey’s historical Democratic lean in Senate races, Bashaw directed his closing statements to women and mothers of New Jersey, presenting himself as a moderate voice for the state. In contrast, Kim announced his candidacy shortly after Menendez’s indictment, positioning himself as a change from the incumbent. The path to Kim’s nomination cleared after a legal challenge against the state’s ballot-drawing system favored by party leaders.
Kim gained recognition after the Capitol insurrection in January 2021 for cleaning up trash in the building. Meanwhile, Bashaw, a hotel developer from Cape May, secured victory in a contested primary by defeating a candidate endorsed by Trump. Menendez’s bribery conviction led to his resignation, with Democratic Governor Phil Murphy appointing an interim senator until the election winner is declared to serve the remainder of Menendez’s term. Menendez has expressed plans to appeal his conviction, concluding a lengthy political career spanning around five decades.
