The second and final public debate between the gubernatorial candidates in the 2025 New Jersey election is officially set. Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill will meet for a pivotal discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 8th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET.
The debate will be hosted by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and held at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) in New Brunswick.
The event, which is closed to the public, is a major collaboration between Rutgers and two of the region’s largest news broadcasters: ABC7/WABC-TV New York and 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia. It will be broadcast live across the stations’ streaming and digital platforms and will also be available to stream on ABC News Live. Additionally, WXTV Univision 41 New York will provide a live simulcast with Spanish captioning.
Moderating the debate will be anchors Tamala Edwards of WPVI-TV Philadelphia and Bill Ritter of WABC-TV New York. The partnership, which also includes the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission (NJ-ELEC) and WXTV Univision 41 New York, aims to provide comprehensive coverage on issues vital to New Jersey residents.
Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, emphasized the importance of the broadcast for informing the electorate.
“The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial debates serve as an essential source of information for our audiences in New York and Philadelphia,” Matthews said. “I am incredibly pleased to offer the communities we serve such comprehensive coverage on critical issues such as education, health care, environmental policy and criminal justice.”
New Jersey is hosting one of only two gubernatorial elections in the United States this year, placing a strong national spotlight on the outcome.
Stuart Shapiro, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School, expressed pride in the university’s role.
“As the home of public policy education for The State University of New Jersey, the Bloustein School is proud to host this debate and facilitate this important opportunity for the candidates for governor to communicate with the voters of the state ahead of the November election,” Shapiro said.
The debate is seen by sponsors and partners as a crucial public service. Thomas H. Prol, Chairman of the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission, stated, “NJ-ELEC is proud to sponsor the 2025 gubernatorial general election and gratefully acknowledges and expresses its deep appreciation to the debate sponsors performing this important public service.”
The final face-off will offer voters an essential opportunity to compare the candidates’ stances on key policy issues before the November election.
