As New Jersey’s June 4 primary election looms closer, the spotlight intensifies on the three contenders vying for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, the winner of which is almost certain to go to Washington representing the deep blue state.
Lawrence Hamm, Patricia Campos-Medina, and Andy Kim are poised to engage in a rigorous exchange of ideas and policies at the upcoming Vote Your Values: 2024 New Jersey Democratic Senate Primary Debate.
In a collaborative effort between the ACLU of New Jersey, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, and Salvation and Social Justice, the debate promises to be a pivotal moment in the race. Despite the event being sold out, eager voters can tune in via livestream on the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Set to take place at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), the debate will be broadcast later on WNYC/NJPR and streamed at http://www.WNYC.org, ensuring widespread access to the discourse.
WHYY will air the debate on May 16 at 8 p.m., followed by WBGO on May 19 at 11 p.m.
The urgency of this debate stems from the impending departure of current Senator Bob Menendez, who faces corruption charges and is not seeking reelection under the Democratic ticket. However, Menendez has left open the possibility of running as an independent in the general election this fall, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious race.
Each candidate brings a distinct background and vision to the table.
Lawrence Hamm, a seasoned community activist, emphasizes his decades-long advocacy for African-Americans and human rights, drawing on his roots in Newark and Princeton.
Patricia Campos-Medina, with her experience in labor unions and progressive political campaigns, positions herself as a voice for the working class and everyday New Jerseyans.
Andy Kim, currently serving as a U.S. Representative, emphasizes his upbringing in South Jersey and his commitment to restoring integrity and trust in government.
The dynamics of the race have evolved significantly, with Kim emerging as a formidable challenger to early front-runner Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s First Lady.
While Murphy initially garnered support from powerful Democratic Party bosses, Kim wanted to get an unfair advantage the political establishment seemed intent on giving to the Governor’s wife, the Congressman latched onto a legal initiative that had been brewing over the state’s ‘party line’ ballot design system.
His success in that case shifted the landscape of grassroots activism. A federal court stripped the party bosses and county clerks of their ability to force voter preferences by designing ballots in a way that has propelled candidates into the forefront of contention for decades.
While Kim was prepared to accept the unfair placement on the ballot in 17 counties after his challenge drove the millionaire Murphy out of the race, many still perceive him as a progressive despite a record in Congress that mirrors the hawkish foreign policy positions that have been represented by Senator Bob Menendez, who not running in the primary because he is about to face his second federal bribery and corruption trial.
On May 13, 2024, the ACLU of New Jersey, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, and Salvation and Social Justice, in partnership with WNYC/New Jersey Public Radio, will host a debate between the Democratic candidates running for New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seat.
Moderated by WNYC’s Morning Edition Host Michael Hill, the debate will offer voters an opportunity to hear candidate positions on critical issues like racial justice, immigrants’ rights, reproductive freedom, and more.
Attendance is free but registration is over capacity. Voters may tune in to the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels to watch the livestream. The debate will also be live-streamed at wbgo.org at 6 p.m.
The debate will be live-streamed on the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and broadcast on delay by WNYC, WBGO, and WHYY at 8 p.m.
WBGO will rebroadcast the debate on 88.3 FM on May 19 at 11 p.m.
The NJ Democratic Primary takes place on June 4, 2024.
As the candidates prepare to take the stage, the debate offers a crucial opportunity for voters to evaluate their platforms, ideologies, and visions for the future of New Jersey.
With the stakes higher than ever, the outcome of the primary remains uncertain, promising a fiercely competitive race until the final ballot is cast.
What are the deadlines I need to know?
Below are deadlines specific to voting in the primary election.
- Voter registration
- In person, by mail or online: Tuesday, May 14
- Mail ballot request
- In person: 3 p.m. Sunday, June 2
- By mail: Tuesday, May 28
- For qualified overseas civilians and military voters: Friday, May 31
- Mail ballot return
- In person: Tuesday, June 4
- By mail: Postmarked by Tuesday, June 4
- Early voting: Wednesday, May 29 – Sunday, June 2
Can I still register to vote?
The deadline for New Jerseyans to register to vote for the primary election is Tuesday, May 14. New Jerseyans can find out whether they are registered to vote online.
Who can register to vote?
Anyone can register to vote, so long as they are a U.S. citizen, will have been a resident of their New Jersey county for at least 30 days before the election, and are going to be at least 18 on or before Election Day.
In 2019, the state restored the right to vote to people who are on probation and parole.