Republican Primary Debate Schedule
![Jeff Brindle, Executive Director of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, argues that despite Americans holding a long and deep skepticism toward political parties, ironically it could be the parties that restore stability to our polarized political environment.](https://www.insidernj.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/0228171150a-1024x576.jpg)
New Jersey gubernatorial primary debates have been set for May 25 and 26.
This year’s debates will involve only Republican candidates because no challenger has raised enough
funds ($490,000) to qualify for a debate against Democratic incumbent Governor Phil Murphy, who is seeking reelection.
Two Republican candidates have qualified for the debates- accountant and former Assemblyman Jack
Ciattarelli of Somerset County and businessman Hirsh Singh of Atlantic County.
The first debate will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday May 25 and sponsored by New Jersey 101.5 FM
(WKXY-FM) in the station’s Ewing studio. It will be broadcast live on New Jersey 101.5 FM radio with video streaming on Facebook and Youtube.
The second debate will be held 8 p.m. Wednesday May 26 and sponsored by NJ PBS. It will air live on
NJ PBS television channels and at www.NJSpotlightNews.org. The debate will be virtual. Candidates will not be together in a studio but will appear via internet transmission from their home or other location.
Both debates will be 60 minutes. The primary election is June 8.
Under state law, all candidates who qualify for public matching funds must participate in at least two
debates during each election. Candidates not seeking public funds who commit to raising and spending at least $490,000 also can participate.