Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21), 2025 Republican candidate for governor, is spending time this weekend with an old friend and ally: former President George W. Bush.
Bramnick and wife Patricia – herself an artist – accompanied the Bushs at the former president’s studio on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport.
Bush has won praise since his presidency for his original paintings, including a series of portraits dedicated to the veterans of the Iraq War.
A veteran lawmaker and moderate Republican with deep alliances in both parties, Bramnick launched his candidacy for governor earlier this year, pledging to end the one-party rule in Trenton and make New Jersey safer, more affordable, and prosperous.
“It’s clear to me that we must bring balanced public policy back to Trenton,” said Bramnick. “Policies that reflect the views of the majority of our citizens. In order to bring balance policy we need two political parties in Trenton and electing a Republican Governor will require the Democrats to compromise, ending the constant drumbeat of ballooning budgets, tax and fee hikes, and soft-on-crime policies rubber stamped by the Democrats.”
An opponent within the GOP of Donald Trump – who opposes Bramnick’s ally Bush – the gubernatorial candidate wants voters to remember his record of standing up to power as a matter of character.
“Every time somebody came to me with a problem, whether it was with a powerful company or government, I took it on, and insisted those powerful entities deal with me respectfully,” he said. “You tell me who controls Bramnick votes? I don’t care if I stand up to a healthcare company, a pharmaceutical company, or the State of New Jersey. As governor, I’ll be able to say ‘no’ to Democrats who want to put money in the budget for pet projects. It’s different for a Democratic governor to stand up and say ‘no.’ I can do that. There are a lot of Democrats who want me to do that. A lot of Democrats are happy I’m running. There is overwhelming support from the other side of the aisle because they know I’ll bring balance without being a nut.”
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Former President George W. Bush and New Jersey Assemblyman Jon Bramnick were recently spotted together in Maine, sparking speculation about what the two political figures may be discussing.
The sighting occurred at a popular seafood restaurant in Kennebunkport, where Bush owns a summer home. The former president and Bramnick were seen deep in conversation, leading to rumors about a potential collaboration or endorsement in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections.
Bush, who served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight since leaving office. However, he has occasionally made public appearances to support Republican candidates and causes.
Bramnick, a longtime New Jersey lawmaker and attorney, is known for his moderate stance on various issues and his willingness to work across party lines. He has been rumored to be considering a run for governor of New Jersey in 2021, and his meeting with Bush could signal a potential endorsement from the former president.
While neither Bush nor Bramnick have publicly commented on their meeting in Maine, political insiders are closely watching for any signs of a potential alliance between the two figures. With the 2022 midterm elections on the horizon, any collaboration between Bush and Bramnick could have significant implications for the political landscape in both New Jersey and beyond.
