A Democratic gubernatorial candidate forum in New Brunswick, New Jersey, descended into chaos on Sunday when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the event, interrupting a discussion moderated by Senator Andy Kim.
The forum, intended to showcase the policy positions of several candidates vying for the 2025 Democratic nomination for governor, instead highlighted the party’s internal tensions over the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the candidates’ increasingly leftist stances. Meanwhile, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a prominent contender in the race, notably abstained from the event, opting instead to visit Jackson, where he marked the opening of Haven Cafe, a new kosher food establishment on S. New Prospect.
The protest erupted shortly after the forum began at 9:00 AM at Rutgers University’s College Avenue Student Center. Dozens of demonstrators, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Stop the genocide” unfurled banners condemning U.S. support for Israel. Video footage circulating on X captured the moment security personnel intervened, escorting protesters out as attendees shouted over one another. The disruption forced a temporary halt to the proceedings, with Senator Kim calling for calm amid the uproar.
The candidates present used the forum to appeal to the party’s progressive base, unveiling policy platforms that critics have labeled as veering sharply left.
The candidates’ rhetoric appeared designed to outflank one another in a race to capture the party’s activist wing, a strategy some political analysts see as a gamble in a state with a diverse electorate.
In stark contrast, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a moderate Democrat and co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, skipped the New Brunswick forum entirely. Instead, he traveled to Jackson, where he joined local leaders and residents to celebrate the grand opening of Haven Cafe at 400 S. New Prospect Road, a new kosher eatery catering to the township’s growing Jewish community.
“I’m here supporting small businesses, celebrating our diversity, and working to make life more affordable—not chasing applause lines,” Gottheimer said.
Gottheimer’s absence from the forum and his pro-Israel stance—he has consistently defended U.S. military aid to Israel and condemned Hamas—set him apart from his rivals’ rhetoric. His campaign has centered on lowering taxes and costs, a message he reiterated in Jackson.
“New Jerseyans want a governor who solves problems, not one who picks fights or panders to extremes,” he said.
Dear Lakewood Political establishment, how many times do we have to tell you? We don’t want Democrats. Period. Full Stop. Stop endorsing them.
Good