Former Talk Host Bill Spadea Loses GOP Gubernatorial Bid

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 13, 2025 | 4:14pm CT

Bill Spadea

Nearly six months after stepping away from the microphone at New Jersey News/Talk WKXW-FM (New Jersey 101.5) in Trenton, NJ, to run for governor, former talk radio host Bill Spadea was soundly defeated in his bid for the Republican nomination.

Former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli secured the GOP nod for a second time with a commanding 67.8% of the vote, sweeping every county -- including Ocean County, considered a Spadea stronghold. The outcome leaves Ciattarelli poised to face Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill in the general election this November.

Spadea, who left his popular morning drive program in January to comply with FCC and state election rules, launched his campaign under a cloud of controversy. Critics argued that his presence on the airwaves gave him an unfair political advantage. Although the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission acknowledged the benefit of his radio exposure, it allowed his campaign to proceed.

Running a populist campaign closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, Spadea initially appeared to pose a challenge. But any momentum quickly stalled after Trump issued a surprise endorsement of Ciattarelli, effectively ending Spadea's chances of closing the gap.

New Jersey 101.5 has not indicated whether Spadea plans to return to his former radio role.