MADISON – If someone unschooled in Jersey politics heard Curtis Bashaw speak for the first time, they may not take him for a Republican.
“I’m a gay married man who is pro-choice,” is one of the statements he made Tuesday afternoon during a forum at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The above assessment takes note of generalities and stereotypes, but a lot of today’s polarizing politics is about just that.
Bashaw, of course, is a Republican and he is challenging Democrat Andy Kim for the Senate seat once held by the convicted Bob Menendez. George Helmy is now serving in the Senate as a “caretaker.”
Some of Bashaw’s views may not seem to jibe with the GOP base these days, but he did win the Senate primary over an opponent – Christine Serrano Glassner – who was endorsed by Donald Trump.
Bashaw said that was a testament to New Jersey’s independence and also to his energized campaign. He says he’s put 72,000 miles on his car driving around the state since January.
Bashaw is from Cape May, which is something that shapes his campaign.
A hotel operator, Bashaw takes pride in refurbishing Congress Hall, which proclaims itself to be “America’s First Seaside Resort.” He says people told him renovating the old place was a lost cause, but he persevered and made it work.
He sees a parallel to his Senate campaign. Given the fact it’s been more than 50 years since Republicans won a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey, some may see Bashaw’s campaign as a lost cause.
But he’s persevering to the tune of 72,000 miles and counting.
Bashaw’s main point is that he’s the “centrist” in the race and that Kim is the “extremist.”
It is true that Bashaw’s views on abortion are centrist, if not liberal.
He said he would support federal legislation to codify the principles of Roe v. Wade and when asked about limiting abortions to a certain time period, he said he would leave all that up to women and their doctors.
Bashaw also thinks he has the consensus view on immigration, noting that many Democrats think the country must do more to stop immigrants from just walking in. He says he visited the border earlier this year in Yuma, Az. and saw 62 people do just that.
Speaking about his personal life, Bashaw explained why he is a Republican. Left unsaid, but understood, was the fact that generally speaking, Democrats are more supportive of gay issues than Republicans.
Bashaw’s take was that one should not pigeon-hole people and more broadly, he said he fears the negative impact of Democratic policies on his finances more than he fears the prospect of Republicans entering his bedroom.
The FDU program offers various candidates a chance to speak. Kim was there earlier this month.
One of those attending Tuesday’s event was former Rep. Leonard Lance. A backer of Bashaw in the primary, Lance noted how he beat a Trump-backed candidate in June.
Trump’s presence, of course, can’t be discounted. He is at the top of the ticket.
Asked about how he is navigating that, Bashaw sought to separate the two.
“I have my own lane in this race,” he said.
“President Trump has his mission to win the presidency. And I have my mission to win the Senate seat.”
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In the world of politics, it is not uncommon to come across individuals who challenge traditional stereotypes and expectations. One such individual is Bashaw, a Republican who is openly gay and pro-choice. This unique combination of beliefs and identities has made Bashaw a controversial figure within the political sphere, but also a trailblazer for those who believe in the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the Republican party.
Bashaw’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in New Jersey politics has been marked by both personal and professional challenges. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Bashaw has faced discrimination and prejudice from within his own party. However, he has remained steadfast in his beliefs and has worked tirelessly to promote equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
In addition to being openly gay, Bashaw is also a staunch advocate for reproductive rights and women’s health. His pro-choice stance has put him at odds with many within the Republican party, who tend to lean towards more conservative views on abortion. Despite this, Bashaw has remained committed to fighting for the rights of women to make their own choices about their bodies and their futures.
Bashaw’s unique combination of beliefs has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues and constituents. Many admire his courage and dedication to standing up for what he believes in, even in the face of adversity. His willingness to challenge the status quo and push for change within the Republican party has earned him respect and admiration from both sides of the political spectrum.
As a rising star in New Jersey politics, Bashaw’s influence is only expected to grow in the coming years. His commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the Republican party serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of unity and acceptance. With his passion for social justice and equality, Bashaw is sure to continue making waves in the political arena for years to come.
