Just a few months ago, New Jersey found itself in political turmoil as Democratic Senator Bob Menendez was convicted of accepting bribes from state businessmen to conduct favors for Qatar and Egypt, and meddling in two criminal investigations. Since then, what began as a turbulent campaign launch in light of Menendez’s resignation, the New Jersey Senate Race has ultimately slipped under the cover of the upcoming presidential election.
New Jersey voters will be met with a decision to elect Democratic Representative Andy Kim or Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw in the general election next Tuesday, Nov. 5. Kim, who has served as the representative for New Jersey’s third congressional district since 2019, would be the first Korean-American Senator in New Jersey and the fourth youngest U.S. Senator. Kim has publicly supported liberal policies including protections for reproductive rights, sexual-based harassment, the preservation of small businesses and decreasing gun violence, with spoken interest in co-sponsoring the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. Kim previously helped pass the bipartisan Safer Communities Act that enacts new gun violence prevention programs and invests in school and community safety.
On the Republican side, Curtis Bashaw runs on a three-pronged campaign advocating for freedom, security and opportunity. Bashaw has expressed strong interest in securing the borders, calling on the opioid crisis and high taxes in New Jersey as effects of open borders. Bashaw has also campaigned to bring job opportunities “back from China” to New Jersey and to uplift small businesses. Bashaw also campaigns on a strong support for Israel, criticizing Democrats’ “dangerous appeasement policy.”
With the general election now merely a week away, Rep. Andy Kim has outraised Bashaw, bringing in $2.4 million in donations from July 1 and Sept. 30, while Bashaw holds just over $2 million. Furthermore, Kim has spent $2.5 million on his campaign in comparison to Bashaw’s $930,540. Kim also holds $4 million in cash reserves, while Bashaw sits below at roughly $1.3 million. The Senate race may not receive as much coverage as the presidential race does, but keep in mind the important role that Menendez’s successor will hold. After all, the next election that New Jersey will vote in this June will determine the next Governor of New Jersey.
sglisson@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of nancywyuen, x
