Sen. Jon Bramnick became the first Republican to announce his candidacy for governor. Bramnick launched his campaign Saturday at a comedy club in New Brunswick where he occasionally performs stand-up.

Bramnick (R-Union), a longtime state lawmaker, is a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.

“I will prove that I am the most qualified and most electable Republican for the office of governor,” Bramnick said. “I do not fear speaking out against those who dwell in hate or ridicule. I have no fear of those who act like out-of-control high school bullies on social media.”

Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, said, “He had a very successful event. Usually we’re used to seeing a very sparse roomful of people. He had luminaries from within the national party. He had supporters. This was a nice rollout for him.”