MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary debate on May 7 turned contentious as conservative radio host Bill Spadea declined to commit to supporting the party’s nominee if he loses the June 10 primary, reigniting accusations of fracturing GOP unity.
The debate featured Spadea, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, and State Sen. Jon Bramnick, who clashed over loyalty, electability, and allegiance to former President Donald Trump.
MODERATOR: Will you support the winner of this primary, yes or no?
— Santino D'Agostino (@SantinoJD11) May 8, 2025
CIATTARELLI: Absolutely
BRAMNICK: Absolutely
SPADEA: …
Spadea backed ultimate loser @JerseyRizzo in 2021 who Ciattarelli CRUSHED by 25 points.
Spadea doesn’t care about @NJGOP or NJ. Only his pockets & ego. pic.twitter.com/TSkipxkgM5
The night’s most dramatic moment came when the moderator asked the candidates if they would back the Republican primary winner. Ciattarelli and Bramnick answered with a firm “Absolutely,” emphasizing party unity.
Spadea, however, remained silent, drawing gasps from the audience and sharp criticism from his opponents. Social media posts immediately highlighted the moment, with users accusing Spadea of prioritizing personal gain over the party’s interests.
It’s not new territory for the embattled candidate who has trailed Ciattarelli in every major poll in the past year.
Spadea’s refusal echoes his past actions in the 2021 gubernatorial race, when he was accused of rallying far-right conservatives against Ciattarelli, the GOP nominee.
Spadea publicly stated he would not vote for Ciattarelli, a stance some Republicans blame for contributing to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s narrow victory.
A GOP lawmaker supporting Ciattarelli called Spadea’s history proof he’d rather see a Democrat win than back a Republican he doesn’t support.
The debate saw the candidates spar over immigration, taxes, and abortion.
Spadea leaned heavily into his pro-Trump credentials, touting a recent meeting with the former president and calling himself the “America First” candidate.
Ciattarelli, who has embraced Trump after early criticism, argued he’s the only candidate with the fundraising and broad appeal to win in November.
Bramnick, the lone Trump skeptic, said New Jersey’s moderate voters won’t support a far-right candidate like Spadea, urging a focus on state issues over Trump loyalty.
Recent polls show Ciattarelli leading Spadea by about 13 points, with Bramnick trailing. Spadea dismissed the polls as unreliable, rallying his base at a Morristown event where supporters decried moderate Republicans.
Trump has not endorsed any candidate in the election.
As the primary approaches, Spadea’s refusal to pledge support for the nominee has deepened GOP divisions. Bramnick warned that Spadea’s far-right stance could alienate swing voters.
With Murphy term-limited, the race to succeed him remains a critical test of whether Trump-style populism can win in a blue-leaning state.