New Jersey Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, a Republican, experienced a momentary pause during a debate against Democrat Rep. Andy Kim. The incident occurred as the two candidates vied for the Senate seat left vacant by Democrat Bob Menendez earlier this year.
During the debate, Bashaw, 63, halted mid-sentence while discussing affordability, prompting concern from his opponent, Kim, 42. Kim, a two-term U.S. Congressman, quickly approached Bashaw to ensure his well-being before the debate briefly paused for a commercial break.
Upon returning to the stage, Bashaw explained that his momentary lapse was due to not having eaten much that day. He expressed gratitude for the audience's understanding and later took to social media to thank well-wishers and share his post-debate plans of enjoying pizza with volunteers.
Bashaw's campaign reassured the public that the candidate was in good health and simply required sustenance after a long day of campaigning. A campaign spokesperson confirmed that Bashaw had consumed a protein bar and some Coke before resuming the debate.
Despite the brief interruption, Bashaw's ability to return to the debate and engage with his opponent showcased his resilience and commitment to the campaign. The incident served as a reminder of the demanding nature of political campaigns and the importance of self-care amidst rigorous schedules.
