TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea is facing renewed scrutiny after past criticisms of former President Donald Trump resurfaced, potentially jeopardizing his support among Trump loyalists in the state.
A 2022 tweet from Spadea has gained attention, in which he wrote, “Trump served an incredible historical purpose. He reminded us about the greatness of America, but his time has passed. Move on, it’s common sense.”
Spadea, a conservative radio host and prominent GOP figure, also previously criticized Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “President Trump had every opportunity to right the wrongs, but he didn’t. Instead of leading, he followed the advice of bureaucrats, played politics, and ultimately apologized for things he wasn’t responsible for,” Spadea said.
He further accused Trump of allowing the CDC to fuel public fear, stating, “He could have fired Fauci, stopped the lockdowns in April, and rallied the country around the reality that COVID wasn’t as deadly as the media claimed.”
These remarks could complicate Spadea’s efforts to secure the support of Trump-aligned voters, a significant faction within New Jersey’s Republican base.
Spadea is not alone in distancing himself from Trump. Former gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli once called Trump a “charlatan” unfit for office.
New Jersey State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union), another GOP contender, criticized Trump for damaging the Republican brand. “[Trump’s presidency] caused a problem for the Republican brand,” Bramnick said, citing concerns about public trust following the January 6 Capitol riot.
The resurfacing of Spadea’s remarks adds to the growing divide within New Jersey’s Republican Party as it prepares for the 2025 gubernatorial race.
With most of the candidates running for governor having extensive anti-Trump statements in the past, could those dueling statements cancel each other out, or will Republican voters in Trump-supporting areas like the Jersey Shore and Skylands area lead voters to other alternatives such as former state senator Edward “Ed the Trucker” Durr and former gubernatorial candidate Joseph Rullo?
Other potential candidates in the New Jersey GOP primary could include Trump loyalists Mike Crispi and Roger Stone.