Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw faced off in their first debate for New Jersey’s open Senate seat, following the resignation of Bob Menendez after his bribery conviction. The two clashed over key issues like abortion and immigration, highlighting their differences as they vie for the position.
Kim, a three-term congressman from New Jersey’s 3rd District, criticized Bashaw for his support of former President Donald Trump and questioned Bashaw’s stance on abortion. Although Bashaw, a hotel developer and first-time candidate, identifies as pro-choice, he also voiced support for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended federal abortion protections. New Jersey state law, however, protects abortion rights.
“I have a real issue with someone calling themselves pro-choice while defending the Dobbs decision,” Kim argued.
Kim also took aim at Bashaw’s previous endorsement of Trump, pointing out that Trump lost New Jersey twice in presidential elections.
The only endorsement he’s made is for Donald Trump to be president again, Kim said. That says a lot about his judgment.
Bashaw didn’t directly defend Trump but instead stressed that elections often come down to difficult choices. He tried to position himself as a moderate, focusing on his experience as a businessman and distancing himself from traditional Republican views, particularly on social issues.
“I’m pro-choice, congressman. I believe in freedom at home,” Bashaw said, emphasizing his support for marriage equality as a married gay man. “The government shouldn’t tell me who I can marry or what a woman can do with her reproductive health.”
Immigration became a major focus for Bashaw throughout the debate, as he claimed the issue has become a “crisis” in New Jersey, affecting the state’s resources.
Recognizing New Jersey’s historical Democratic lean in Senate races, Bashaw made his final appeal to women and mothers, promising to be a moderate and practical voice for the state.
In contrast, Kim emphasized his own political experience, noting that he announced his Senate run shortly after Menendez’s indictment. He gained national attention after the January 6 Capitol attack, when he was photographed cleaning up debris in the building.
Initially, it appeared that Kim would face a tough Democratic primary against first lady Tammy Murphy, who had the backing of key party leaders. However, Kim successfully challenged the state’s ballot-drawing system in court, leading Murphy to drop out of the race and clearing his path to the nomination.
Bashaw, who won a contested Republican primary, is running for public office for the first time. Meanwhile, Menendez, convicted of accepting bribes, plans to appeal his case. He resigned in August, ending a five-decade career in politics. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has appointed George Helmy as interim senator until the election results are finalized. Helmy has stated that he will step down once the election is certified.