Save Jersey has confirmed that NJ 101.5 host Bill Spadea will announce a 2025 Republican gubernatorial bid on June 17th, Save Jerseyans.
A retired U.S. Marine, former real estate agent, television host, Lifetime movie producer and most recently host of NJ 101.5’s popular morning drive program has long been believed to be laying the groundwork for a run for governor which will pit him against 2021 nominee Jack Ciattarelli, ex-Senator Ed “The Trucker” Durr, and State Senator Jon Bramnick of LD21 for the Republican nomination. He’s spent many months traversing the state via his ‘Common Sense Club’ vehicle, endorsing candidates and attending local events.
Spadea is a populist conservative who, despite past criticism of Donald Trump, received a near-endorsement (?) from the presumptive GOP presidential nominee shortly before last month’s well-attended Wildwood rally.
“You’ve had my back from the beginning. I know all about it. That’s why I’m talking to you. I turn, I turn down plenty of requests, I will tell you. But you’ve had my back, and I really appreciate it,” Trump told Spadea during an NJ 101.5 interview. “You are fantastic.”
Spadea’s team will be lead by general consultant Bill Stepien and campaign manager Tom Bonfonti. Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore is Spadea’s leading patron inside the state Republican establishment.
Governor Phil Murphy is (mercifully) term limited which will make 2025 an “open” race for the governor’s mansion; Democrat candidates include ex-Senate President Steve Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and possibly Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and/or Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
New Jersey Globe first reported the date of Spadea’s formal entry into the race.
Another side story of note: NJ 101.5 will likely now need to find a new host to succeed Spadea in his timeslot since campaign finance rules will bar the host from campaigning and broadcasting.
