WESTFIELD, N.J. — State Senator John Bramnick sharply criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea, the far-right and the Trump administration on Tuesday, denouncing what he called a “rhetoric of hate” coming from the campaign and urging his party to return to civility and respectful discourse.
“This harsh rhetoric, lack of civility, lack of statesmanship — this is a short period in our history and we have to move forward and show people respect and have heart,” Bramnick said. “That doesn’t mean to not have principles.”
Bramnick, a longtime Republican legislator and former Assembly Minority Leader, positioned himself as the GOP’s voice of reason in an increasingly divided primary contest. He emphasized the need for character in politics, saying, “I’m a Republican with a heart.”
Without naming specific statements, Bramnick accused the Spadea campaign of crossing the line and warned of the broader consequences such language could have for democratic institutions.
Bramnick stands firm ahead of primary
“This hateful rhetoric is a threat to democracy and I won’t stand for it,” Bramnick said. “And I’m not going to change my position in some primary.”
The remarks come as the New Jersey Republican primary heats up, with Spadea facing growing criticism from within the party for his confrontational tone and messaging strategy.