MAGA-aligned mayor and gubernatorial hopeful Mario M. Kranjac sharply criticized fellow Republicans Bill Spadea, Phil Rizzo, and New Jersey Right to Life on Wednesday, accusing them of surrendering the anti-abortion cause by refusing to support legislation limiting abortions after 20 weeks.
In a statement issued from Englewood Cliffs, Kranjac accused the trio of “totally capitulat[ing] in the battle to save innocent babies,” citing a social media exchange between Spadea and Rizzo where a proposed 20-week abortion ban was described as “laughable.” Rizzo, a former candidate and top surrogate for Spadea, previously received an “A” rating from New Jersey Right to Life in 2021. Spadea has been endorsed by the group in the current gubernatorial cycle.
“By ending Roe vs Wade, President Trump gave us the chance to start saving babies,” Kranjac said. “But pro-life grifters like Spadea, Rizzo, and New Jersey Right to Life are willing to squander that opportunity and preemptively surrender.”
The confrontation signals deepening divisions among New Jersey Republicans ahead of the 2025 primary, particularly on abortion policy. Kranjac, who has made anti-abortion advocacy central to his campaign, released a 10-point pro-life platform, including banning abortions after 20 weeks, ending state funding for abortions, and appointing pro-life judges.
Key points
- Mario Kranjac accused Spadea, Rizzo, and New Jersey Right to Life of abandoning efforts to restrict abortion
- The criticism follows a social media exchange dismissing a proposed 20-week abortion ban
- Kranjac released a 10-point pro-life platform and pledged aggressive executive action if elected
Abortion debate deepens rift in New Jersey GOP gubernatorial race
In response to Kranjac’s accusations, New Jersey Right to Life tweeted, “Beware of candidates and their minions who engage in smear tactics and make false promises. Truth always wins!” Kranjac dismissed the group’s criticism, calling it “a fake name” and accusing it of having “an agenda” that does not include ending abortion in the state.
Kranjac contrasted his executive experience with what he described as “untested” rivals, including Spadea, Rizzo, former candidate Jack Ciattarelli, and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick. He claimed that his leadership record, including being “censured, sued, and sanctioned,” proves his willingness to defy political pressure.
The latest exchange adds to a growing ideological rift within the Republican field as candidates court conservative voters ahead of the primary.
New Jersey’s Republican primary race turns increasingly contentious as abortion policy divides leading contenders.