Southern New Jersey developer Curtis Bashaw's Senate nomination over Donald Trump's preferred candidate in Tuesday's GOP primary has sparked fresh GOP hopes of putting a reliably blue New Jersey Senate seat in play this fall. The possibility of embattled Sen. Bob Menendez's independent campaign splitting Democrats adds to the intrigue.
Bashaw, a 64-year-old hotel developer and political newcomer, defeated Trump-endorsed Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner in the primary. He will now face Democratic Rep. Andy Kim in the general election. Kim, known for his political acumen, easily secured the Democratic nomination.
Menendez, who is facing corruption charges, filed to run as an independent. Democrats are facing an unexpected challenge in a state they considered safe, with Republicans hoping Bashaw can break through the Democratic stronghold.
Bashaw, who has invested nearly $1 million in his campaign, supports Trump but emphasizes a different mission for his Senate bid. He aims to deliver a hopeful and positive message to New Jersey voters, highlighting his track record as a businessman and political outsider.
Kim, a rising political force in New Jersey, has a strong background in national security and has successfully navigated the state's political landscape. His Senate campaign gained momentum following Menendez's indictment, with Kim positioning himself as a candidate who stands against corruption and broken politics.
The race is further complicated by Menendez's trial and Trump's influence as the GOP's standard-bearer. While Menendez's legal troubles remain uncertain, Trump's presence on the ballot could galvanize Democrats behind Kim, given the strong anti-Trump sentiment in New Jersey.
Republicans have faced challenges in previous elections, notably in 2018 when Bob Hugin, a wealthy pharmaceutical executive, failed to unseat Menendez despite a vigorous campaign. The outcome serves as a cautionary tale for Republicans as they seek to make inroads in a historically Democratic state.
