A Republican candidate in New Jersey appeared to freeze up during a live debate yesterday, sparking fears he was experiencing a medical incident.

Curtis Bashaw, 63, is running to replace Democrat Bob Menendez. Disgraced Menendez resigned after he was found guilty of bribery-related charges, including accepting gold bars to help foreign governments.

Bashaw is running against Democrat Andy Kim, who has represented New Jersey’s 3rd District in Congress since 2019.

Bashaw and Kim, 42, took part in a live debate yesterday. However, at one point near the start, Bashaw appeared to freeze. Kim asked him if he was OK.

Bashaw replied that he was. However, he still appeared to be suffering difficulties, prompting the moderator to call for a break.

They duly took a ten-minute timeout. Both men then returned to the stage and continued the debate.

Watch the incident below.

Online, many found this incident “frightening”. There was speculation as to whether Bashaw had an anxiety attack or other medical problem.

Later, Bashaw took to X to blame several hours without food for the freeze.

“Thank you all for the well wishes! I was out campaigning all day, and I never stopped to get a bite to eat. Excited to eat pizza with my fantastic volunteers at the post-debate party tonight!”

Bashaw later posted a photo of himself holding a pizza box alongside his volunteers.

Who is Curtis Bashaw?

Bashaw, a hotel developer and first-time candidate, is positioning himself as “not your average Republican”. On his website, he states that as a “a pro-choice married gay man, I believe that individuals deserve to make decisions about their lifestyle and healthcare in their own homes.”

However, he and Kim clashed during their debate on the issues of abortion and immigration. Kim pointed out that Bashaw says the Supreme Court was correct in overturning Roe v. Wade.

“I just fundamentally have a problem with using the term `pro-choice´ to describe yourself when you have talked about the importance of the Dobbs decision being correctly decided,” Kim said.

Kim also criticized Bashaw for endorsing Donald Trump.

Democrats have held the New Jersey seat since 1982.

Kim, regarded as progressive, leads in the polls by between 5-9 points. However, Bashaw is pinning his hopes on winning over some traditional Democratic voters unhappy about Kim’s calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

You can watch the full debate below.

Related
Digging INTO Politics: VP debate, trans licenses, and Trump’s blame game

Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated