Rider University will once again serve as a hub for civic engagement when it co-sponsors the Democratic congressional debate for New Jersey’s 12th District on Sunday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center on the Rider University campus.
Hosted in partnership with the New Jersey Globe, the event will feature nine candidates seeking to succeed U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is not seeking re-election after more than a decade in office. It will be livestreamed on New Jersey Globe’s Facebook, X and YouTube pages, with additional broadcasts scheduled on C-SPAN.
Moderating the discussion will be David Wildstein, editor of the New Jersey Globe, with questions from Micah Rasmussen ’92, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, Joey Fox, reporter for the New Jersey Globe and Rider University students.
Rider has hosted a number of high-profile debates in recent years, including gubernatorial primary and general election debates last year, as well as a virtual senatorial debate in 2024.
“Rider produces the most important political debates in New Jersey, and we are proud of our role in helping to educate the state’s voters,” says Rasmussen.
Students from the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics will once again play a central role in the April 26 event, gaining hands-on experience in media production, event coordination and political engagement.
“We are also proud that so many Rider students will play essential roles in producing this debate,” Rasmussen adds. “It’s a fantastic experiential learning opportunity that comes with real-world impact.”
The participating candidates are Sue Altman, Brad Cohen, Adam Hamawy, Adrian Mapp, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shanel Robinson, Squire Servance, Jay Vaingankar and Sam Wang. Each met participation criteria set by the New Jersey Globe, which included fundraising thresholds or endorsements from elected officials and party leaders.
The long-form format will allow candidates to address a wide range of national and regional issues ahead of the June 2 primary election, offering voters an in-depth look at the field.
Individuals interested in attending the debate may reserve a seat by emailing Micah Rasmussen at mrasmussen@rider.edu.
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics is dedicated to public service and scholarly analysis of government, public policy, campaigns and elections in New Jersey. It offers a series of campus events featuring the state’s leaders, facilitates political internships, and runs the Rebovich Fellowship Program.
Founded in 2001 by Professor David Rebovich (1949-2007), the Institute is a dynamic and creative home where students can network, study and gain practical experience in New Jersey politics. By working with the next generation of political professionals, leaders and civic-minded citizens, the Institute provides the opportunity to form connections, launch careers, and decide how they will approach and improve upon our politics.
The entrance to Rider University on Route 206 in Lawrence Township. (Photo by Peter G. Borg, Rider University.),
