Billed as a debate on economic issues, the first in-person meeting in New Jersey’s most contentious congressional district turned into a fight over broader issues and questions about what each man has actually accomplished while in office.
Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski faces Republican Tom Kean Jr. for the second election in a row in the 7th District. The race could be one of several across the country that determines which party controls the House of Representatives.
On Thursday, the two met at an event sponsored by the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce, with a focus on inflation and economic issues.
And while the questions centered mostly on economic issues, Malinowski repeatedly pivoted to abortion, healthcare and immigration.
“His party in Washington, the ascendant leaders in Washington, have put forward absolutely no plan to deal with this economic situation, but they do have a very specific plan for banning abortion,” Malinowski said. “That’s the difference. It’s moderation versus MAGA. It’s bridge builders versus bomb throwers. It’s infrastructure bills or insurrection.”
Kean stayed focused on his talking points, saying he wanted to cut taxes and lower inflation but with offering specifics. Malinowski attacked Kean, asking what he has accomplished in his years as a state lawmaker while touting his work on the Inflation Reduction Act and other Democratic initiatives.
“The issues that are impacting the residents of this district […] we have the highest rate of inflation, outrageous spending in Washington D.C. that we’ve had in 40 years, and when we look at what the problem is, because the incumbent member of Congress, Tom Malinowski, votes with Nancy Pelosi 100% of the time,” Kean said. “Economists warned, whether Democrat or Republican, that this amount of spending would cripple the economy, would hurt the supply chains, would make New Jersey and this country far more unaffordable and less secure at home and abroad.”
Kean pushed Malinowski on several fronts, at one point questioning his ability to represent the district.
“My opponent’s been afraid to admit he’s lived in Washington, D.C. for the last 30 years,” Kean said.
“I’ve been serving my country,” Malinowski said.
Watch the full debate here.
