Real estate developer and hotelier Curtis Bashaw is running for Senate in New Jersey as a Republican, aiming to end the state’s long trend of Democratic victories. Bashaw is optimistic about his party’s prospects in the upcoming election, calling it a “once in a generation opportunity” to show that New Jersey is more politically diverse than people realize. The state’s current democratic senator, Bob Menendez, is not seeking reelection as a Democrat and is considering an independent bid, potentially splitting the vote and providing an opening for a Republican upset.
Bashaw, a first-time politician, emphasizes his background as a business owner who has built and restored historic hotels in New Jersey. He is focusing on unshackling small businesses from overregulation and promoting economic growth in the state. His chief rival in the GOP primary is Christine Serrano Glassner, who has served as mayor of Mendham Borough. Bashaw has a considerable fundraising advantage and has secured the county line endorsement in two-thirds of the state’s counties, giving him an edge in the primary race.
New Jersey’s election system allows counties to print ballots with a prominent party line, benefiting candidates with establishment support. Kim, the likely Democratic nominee, sued to overturn the county lines, but the GOP lines were upheld. Bashaw is actively campaigning across the state, engaging with small business owners and unaffiliated voters, aiming to increase his name recognition and appeal to a broad base of supporters. He is a supporter of former President Donald Trump and believes that New Jersey is in play for Republicans in the upcoming election.
Bashaw is focusing on key issues such as crime, immigration, parental rights in education, and abortion. He argues that New Jerseyans do not feel safe in their homes and highlights concerns about illegal immigration affecting all counties in the state. He also criticizes what he views as woke ideology permeating through schools and advocates for parental rights to be respected in public education. On the issue of abortion, Bashaw supports the recent Supreme Court decision that returned the issue to the states but does not favor a federal ban. He critiques Democrats for what he sees as extreme positions on abortion, including allowing the procedure up until the day of birth.
While national Republicans have not yet made investments in the New Jersey Senate race, Bashaw is confident that he can appeal to unaffiliated voters and flip the seat from blue to red in November. He believes that New Jersey voters are ready for a change and that the state’s political landscape is more diverse than commonly believed. As the election campaign unfolds, Bashaw continues to engage with voters, highlight key issues, and make the case for why he should be the next Senator from New Jersey.
