Debate and decide

Rowan hosts gubernatorial candidates on their way to Election Day

By Rowan University

October 13^th, 2021

Important questions for New Jersey's next governor

For the last gubernatorial debate this election season, the candidates, their supporters and hundreds of voters turned Rowan University's Glassboro campus into a noisy, colorful, passionate illustration of New Jersey election politics. It was a night of public debate and public service. Rowan students, volunteers and staff greeted and guided guests, media and campaign personnel, gaining and providing up-close experience in part of the democratic process.

Rowan partnered with NJ PBS, New Jersey's public television network, and public radio station WNYC 93.9 FM and 820 AM to present the debate televised by NJ PBS’s news division, NJ Spotlight News.

Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship Founding Director Ben Dworkin moderated the debate along with NJ Spotlight News Senior Political Correspondents David Cruz and Colleen O’Dea and WNYC’s Morning Edition Host Michael Hill.

Taking sides

Around Wilson Hall, Rowan students rallied along with supporters from both parties.

On with the show

President Houshmand welcomed more than 500 masked debate attendees, socially distanced in Pfleeger Concert Hall. In classrooms, each candidate's supporters held a watch party. Backstage, the production staff televised the event for viewers everywhere.

Democratic incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli faced off on the stage in Pfleeger Concert Hall, then each commanded the spotlight alone in the media room.