Trenton, NJ – Bill Spadea, a Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, has come under fire from conservative activist Mike Crispi, who claims Spadea met with former Governor Chris Christie to discuss “how to be Governor.”
Chris Christie, you know the former New Jersey governor who goes on ABC News multiple times a month for the past few years to bash President Trump, that guy.
Crispi, a prominent Trump delegate and leader of New Jersey’s America First Republicans, aired his allegations on X, questioning Spadea’s motives and judgment in seeking advice from Christie, a figure often criticized by the GOP’s conservative base.
Crispi’s posts cite an alleged acknowledgment the director at the Conservative Caucus and Latinos for America First, confirming the meeting. However, no independent evidence has surfaced to verify the meeting or its purpose. Crispi framed the alleged interaction as “suspicious” and rhetorically asked why Spadea would consult Christie, whose tenure as governor and subsequent political moves and anti-Trump and Republican rhetoric have alienated many conservative voters.
The controversy adds to ongoing tensions within New Jersey’s Republican primary, set for June 10, 2025. Spadea, a former radio host and self-described conservative, has positioned himself as a strong contender in a crowded field.
Yet, Crispi has repeatedly criticized Spadea, accusing him of mismanaging campaign funds and aligning with consultants linked to Christie, and Spadea’s hiring of George Gilmore, a pardoned convicted felon and Democrat lobbyist.
Many of those accusations have since turned out to be true.
These accusations suggest a rift between Spadea’s campaign and the state’s MAGA-aligned faction, which Crispi champions.
Spadea’s campaign has not publicly responded to Crispi’s latest allegations. As the primary approaches, the controversy underscores the challenges of unifying New Jersey’s Republican base, with candidates navigating the divide between establishment and populist wings of the party.