TRENTON, NJ — The MAGA movement for U.S. Senate in New Jersey has been defeated, dealing former U.S. President Donald Trump an embarrassing defeat in the Garden State.
Instead of his endorsed conservative candidate winning on Tuesday, a South Jersey centrist Republican who has been critical of Trump came out victorious.
Curtis Bashaw has emerged victorious over Christine Serrano Glassner in a closely watched GOP Senate primary race in New Jersey. Despite former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Serrano Glassner, Bashaw secured the win, highlighting the ongoing internal divisions within the Republican Party in the state.
Serrano Glassner, the mayor of Mendham, was backed by Trump, who had praised her conservative credentials and alignment with his policies.
However, Bashaw, a hotelier and moderate Republican, managed to attract considerable support by positioning himself as a unity candidate, appealing to broader segments of the party.
During the campaign, Serrano Glassner targeted Bashaw’s moderate stances and past criticisms of Trump, arguing that her true conservative stance made her the better choice for Republicans looking to reclaim a Senate seat that Democrats have held for decades.
Bashaw’s message of inclusivity and his focus on state issues resonated more with primary voters.
Bashaw’s victory is notable as it reflects the challenges the Republican Party faces in New Jersey, a state where no Republican has won a U.S. Senate seat in over 50 years. His win also sets the stage for a November election where he will face off against presumed Democratic candidate Andy Kim, in a state still leaning heavily Democratic.
He is not expected to defeat Kim, even with the corruption scandal-plagued Bob Menendez’s filing as an independent candidate.
Christine Serrano Glassner, despite her fervent campaign efforts and alignment with Trump, could not overcome the broader appeal of Bashaw’s centrist approach, which may have appeared more palatable to a wider audience in New Jersey’s political landscape.
New Jersey Republicans have not held a U.S. Senate seat since 1972.
