Hughes Center, Press of A.C. to sponsor District 2 Assembly Debate

don guardian claire swift Joanne Famularo Maureen Rowan

From left, Republican incumbents Don Guardian and Claire Swift will debate Democratic challengers Joanne Famularo and Maureen Rowan at ΢è's Galloway campus on Oct. 21.

Galloway, N.J. — The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at ΢è and The Press of Atlantic City will sponsor a debate between State Legislative District 2 Assembly candidates on Oct. 21.

The debate will take place before a live, public audience at 7 p.m. at Stockton’s Campus Center Theatre, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, and will also be livestreamed by the Hughes Center and . A recording will be archived on the Hughes Center’s site.

Major-party candidates, including Republican incumbents Don Guardian and Claire Swift and Democratic challengers Joanne Famularo and Maureen Rowan, have agreed to participate. Other candidates who meet minimum campaign finance thresholds and file campaign spending reports will be invited.

“Hosting the District 2 Assembly debate advances the Hughes Center’s mission of fostering civic engagement and creating a forum for open, informed discussion of the issues that matter most to our community,” said Hughes Center Director Tina Zappile. “These debates help voters make educated choices and exemplify our commitment to amplifying local voices, connecting residents with their elected officials, and providing a platform for rigorous policy dialogue.”

Alyssa Maurice, assistant director and head of Research and Polling at the Hughes Center, and Nicholas Huba, news and digital editor for The Press, will moderate the debate. The Press and the Hughes Center will accept suggested debate questions from members of the public in advance of the event. Only the moderators will pose questions during the debate. More information on how to propose a question will be publicized closer to Oct. 21.

Oct. 14 is the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 4 election. Early voting in New Jersey will take place from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2.

For more information, email the Hughes Center or call (609) 626-3542.