New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates will participate in two final primary debates on May 18th and May 20th, broadcast live from the Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology in Newark. The debates are sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey and Rider University and will offer voters an unfiltered view of the candidates’ platforms ahead of the June 10th primaries.
“These debates represent a critical opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates in a format that is accessible, engaging, and driven by New Jersey voices,” said Gerald D’Ambra, co-founder and managing partner of On New Jersey. “We’re proud to bring this production to life with some of the best political journalists and storytellers in the state.”
Moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist Laura Jones, host of NJ Politics with Laura Jones on MeTV-WJLP and On New Jersey, the debates will feature panelists David Wildstein and Joey Fox of the New Jersey Globe, Micah Rasmussen of Rider University’s Rebovich Institute, and Matt Rooney of Save Jersey (Republican debate only). Students from Payne Tech will also be asking questions to the candidates.
Debate Schedule
Democratic Debate:
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Programming starts at 5:00 PM
Debate at: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Candidates: Mayor Ras Baraka, Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney
Republican Debate:
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Programming starts at 5:00 PM
Debate at: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Candidates: Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, and Bill Spadea
Streaming Details
The debates and accompanying programming will be streamed live across On New Jersey’s digital platforms, including ONNJ.com, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV, and social media channels. Also on New Jersey Globe YouTube and X.
Pre- and Post-Debate Programming
Emmy Award-winning anchor Ken Rosato will host exclusive pre- and post-debate coverage. The pre-show will feature segments hosted by Emmy Award-nominated host and On New Jersey co-founder and managing partner Lisa Marie Falbo, including an interview with Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo; a guided tour of Payne Tech with Superintendent James Paterson and Principal Patricia Clark-Love; and a behind-the-scenes look at the 10-camera production setup for the live broadcast. These segments are sponsored by CSG Law (Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC). On-the-ground reporting will be provided by live correspondent, Emmy Award-nominated reporter Joti Kaur Rekhi, offering real-time updates from inside the venue. Immediately following each debate, there will be a brief media availability with each candidate.
Sponsorship Support
Sponsors for the debates include Uber (Official Debate Sponsor), Stand With Crypto (Pre- and Post-Debate Programming and Livestream Sponsor), CSG Law (Segment Sponsor), Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas
Health, Newark Regional Business Partnership, Prudential, Archer & Greiner, McCarter & English, New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, County of Essex, New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, Rider University, and Save Jersey (Republican Debate Co-Sponsor).
About On New Jersey
On New Jersey (ONNJ) is the state’s only 24/7 live-streaming television channel, delivering local news, political coverage, sports, and community-driven content across all digital platforms. For more information, visit ONNJ.com
