Republican candidate for governor Bill Spadea spoke to a crowd on April 7 as he pitched a reform agenda that centered on school choice, cutting government spending, and reining in housing mandates. 

The event was hosted by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC) and had 40 members in attendance.

Throughout the hour-long speech, Spadea hit on multiple key issues he said are driving his campaign for New Jersey Governor.

“There’s a ruling elite in both parties that wants to keep the status quo,” said Spadea. “It’s not about left versus right. It’s about an insider versus outsider.”

Spadea addressed the current state of education within the state, where he argued that suburban schools are being unfairly punished under New Jersey’s current funding formula, which prioritizes urban districts. 

“I’m for empowering parents,” said Spadea. “Every kid deserves access to quality education—not just the ones with wealthy zip codes.” 

Spadea also took aim at some of the recent changes to state housing policy, specifically executive orders that seek to redefine what constitutes affordable housing. He believes that mandates threaten local control and suburban character. 

“I’ll tear up those executive orders on day one,” said Spadea. He also didn’t shy away from criticizing state tax relief programs like ANCHOR and StayNJ, calling them ‘political gimmicks.’

Spadea reiterated his support for protecting unborn life while emphasizing the need to support pregnant women through job programs and childcare access. He also reaffirmed his opposition to expanding state-funded higher education unless reforms are made to reduce administrative bloat and ensure taxpayer accountability.

He also took the opportunity to call for broader structural reform, including lower property taxes and an end to what he describes as “wasteful” corporate tax incentives that he believes don’t deliver real jobs. 

Although Spadea sees himself as a ‘conservative populist,’ he emphasized that his message is one transcending party lines.

 “We need common sense, not more bureaucracy,” Spadea said. 

Spadea resonated with many attendees, including Cyrus Mármol, a freshman environmental science major.

“I thought it was a very informative speech, and it was a great speech overall. He had a lot of ideas for New Jersey—ideas that I believe will benefit the state greatly,” Mármol said.

Spadea concluded the evening by encouraging the audience to get politically active.

“Don’t wait for someone else to fix it,” Spadea said. “Get involved. Ask tough questions and run for office.”

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email news@thewhitonline.com