Monday, Sep 22, 2025
Town-hall style in-person debate largest in NJ history
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
On Sept. 21, Rider University welcomed the two candidates for New Jersey governor to campus. With more than 1,600 people in attendance, the town-hall style event was the largest in-person debate in New Jersey history.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli fielded questions from Rider students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and community members. Topics discussed ranged from the cost of living and affordability in the state, climate change, public education, taxes, AI and trust in public officials.
The discussion was led by panelists Micah Rasmussen ’92, director of the Rebovich Institute of New Jersey Politics at Rider University, David Wildstein, editor of the New Jersey Globe, and Sophie Nieto-Muñoz, reporter for the New Jersey Monitor. On New Jersey host Laura Jones moderated the debate.
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Debate panelists Micah Rasmussen ’92, David Wildstein and Sophie Nieto-Muñoz -
Moderator Laura Jones and Rider President John R. Loyack, CPA, MBA, welcome the audience -
Republican Jack Ciattarelli -
Democrat Mikie Sherrill
A number of Rider students had the opportunity to participate in the planning and production of the debate, giving them an inside look into a critical facet of the political process.
“Rider University was proud to play host to such an important event and provide a truly unique experience for our students,” says Rasmussen. “I am thankful to all of our partners who ensured the event’s success.”
Mitchell Meyer, a senior elementary education and history double major, was thankful to be able to ask the candidates about an issue close to his heart.
“Being able to ask them a question that’s so personal and dear to me was just an otherworldly experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” says Meyer, who wanted their insights about how they would continue to invest in education in New Jersey in light of the dismantling of the federal Department of Education.
The debate was presented by O’Toole Scrivo and sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey and Rider University. It was one of just two debates approved by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for the gubernatorial candidates.
Watch a replay of the debate here.