Political conversations in the Garden State rarely lack fireworks, and this week brought two notable storylines from opposite ends of the spectrum. On one side, Bill Spadea, the outspoken New Jersey conservative radio host and political commentator, surprised some by offering praise for former Governor Chris Christie. On the other, Bill O’Dea, a veteran of Hudson County politics, made a very public show of strength in his bid for Jersey City mayor—delivering thousands of petition signatures to City Hall with a clear grassroots message.
Spadea’s Unexpected Shout-Out to Christie
It’s been two months since Jack Ciattarelli cruised to a landslide victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary, locking in his position as the GOP’s 2025 standard-bearer. While Ciattarelli’s win was decisive, some political insiders have been watching how his former rivals and prominent party voices position themselves ahead of November’s showdown with Governor Phil Murphy.
That’s where Spadea comes in. Known for his hardline, populist approach—and not for doling out compliments to political heavyweights—Spadea caught attention when he offered public praise for Chris Christie. The remarks were brief but notable in a political climate where Christie has been both lauded for his early pandemic response and criticized for his later national political maneuvers.
While details of Spadea’s comments were light on policy and heavy on recognition, the nod may signal a willingness for different factions of the state GOP to find common ground, especially as Republicans aim to mount a serious challenge in the general election.
O’Dea’s Petition Power Play in Jersey City
Meanwhile, over in Hudson County, Bill O’Dea took the stage—well, technically the steps—outside Jersey City’s City Hall with an armada of cardboard boxes in tow. Inside? An impressive 7,763 nominating petition signatures—far more than the minimum required to secure a spot on the November mayoral ballot.
The scene was part photo op, part rally, and part statement of intent. For O’Dea, currently a Hudson County commissioner and a former city councilman, the visual wasn’t just about qualifying for the ballot—it was about sending a message that his campaign is powered by people who actually live in and love Jersey City.
“Other candidates say they are a team, but we are a team,” O’Dea told a crowd of supporters, many of whom are running alongside him on a city council slate. He emphasized that his petitions were collected by local volunteers, not by “armies” of out-of-town operatives.
While he didn’t name names directly, his pointed reference to “the former governor” was a clear jab at James McGreevey, also running for mayor. McGreevey, the former New Jersey governor and Jersey City native, is seen by many as the candidate with the most establishment connections.
Other contenders in the race include Joyce Watterman, the current City Council president, and Councilman James Solomon.
Fighting the Machine
O’Dea has built his campaign on an anti-establishment message, insisting he’s never been afraid to take on Jersey City’s political “machine.” He says the same grassroots energy that fueled his petition drive will carry over into the campaign trail—through door-to-door conversations, neighborhood visits, and a focus on addressing long-standing local issues.
After his rally, O’Dea’s team carried the signature-laden boxes inside City Hall to officially file his candidacy. It was a carefully staged moment—symbolizing both the organizational muscle of his campaign and the message that his support is built from the ground up.
A Dynamic Fall Ahead in New Jersey Politics
Both stories—Spadea’s unexpected Christie kudos and O’Dea’s signature spectacle—underscore the diverse and often unpredictable nature of New Jersey’s political scene. In the coming months, the gubernatorial race will intensify, and the Jersey City mayoral contest promises to be one of the most closely watched local elections in the state.
From the statewide battles shaping Trenton’s future to the neighborhood-level fights in Hudson County, New Jersey politics is gearing up for a lively, high-stakes fall season.
For ongoing coverage, campaign updates, and in-depth analysis, visit our New Jersey Politics section.
