NEWARK – Three Democrats running to represent New Jersey in the United States Senate will square off in a live primary debate hosted by 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, at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). The debate is free and open to the public; registration is required.
Candidates Patricia Campos-Medina, Larry Hamm, and Andy Kim will participate in a debate moderated by WNYC’s Morning Edition host Michael Hill. Questions will offer voters an opportunity to evaluate candidate positions on critical issues facing the state, including affordability, racial justice, immigration, climate change, and more.
This event will be livestreamed on the ACLU of New Jersey’s YouTube and Facebook channels at 6 p.m., and recorded for broadcast by WNYC/NJPR and streaming on www.wnyc.org at 8 p.m. WHYY will broadcast the debate on May 16 at 8 p.m. WBGO will broadcast it on May 19 at 11 p.m.
Media are welcome to attend, but we are not able to accommodate photographers or videographers due to space restrictions. Photos and videos will be available upon request; please email press@aclu-nj.org for more information.
The NJ Democratic Primary takes place on June 4, 2024.
WHAT: Vote Your Values: 2024 New Jersey Democratic Senate Primary Debate
WHEN: Monday, May 13, at 6 p.m. (Entry screening begins at 5:15 p.m.)
WHO: Candidates: Patricia Campos-Medina, Larry Hamm, and Andy Kim; Moderated by Michael Hill, host of WNYC’s Morning Edition
WHERE: South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ
TICKETS: Free, Registration Required: https://www.sopacnow.org/events/2024-nj-democratic-primary-debate/
“WNYC is thrilled to host this critical debate. The daylight between positions among the Democratic candidates may seem small, but this debate will help voters assess which candidate's positions most align with their values,” said Audrey Cooper, Editor in Chief of WNYC. “It is part of our mandate to inform and engage listeners in our region around the fundamental democratic act of voting, and this debate is an important part of our 2024 election coverage in New York and New Jersey.”
“Elections are fundamental to our democracy and New Jerseyans deserve to hear where candidates stand on key issues that impact their lives,” said Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey. “Ours is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and accordingly, policies - particularly those related to racial justice, rights, and liberties – impact our residents uniquely. We’re proud to host this debate during this crucial moment for our politics and democracy. As we face some of the most pressing challenges of our time, engaging with candidates with varying perspectives on how to address them is essential to ensuring we can all vote our values.”
“The League of Women Voters of New Jersey has provided high quality candidate forums for nearly a century,” said Jesse Burns, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. “We are excited to continue this important service by co-sponsoring this forum with partners that share our dedication to nonpartisan voter education, ensuring that every New Jersey voter has the information needed to be empowered at the ballot box.”
“Elections aren’t merely about who is on the ballot, but what is on the ballot. For Black communities that have been disproportionately targeted and harmed by structurally racist policies, everything is on the ballot, from health equity to criminal legal reform,” said Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Salvation and Social Justice. “We are pleased to cosponsor this event alongside our partners as Salvation and Social Justice’s commitment to the Black ballot extends well beyond the casting of the vote and includes the mobilization, outreach, and public education necessary to encourage informed voters and empowered communities. We are confident this forum is yet another opportunity to do just that.”
Lead support for New Jersey Public Radio is provided by The Fund for New Jersey, with additional support from Martin Heller, the F.M. Kirby Foundation and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.
