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Early voting in the primary ends Oct. 31. For Republicans On the big issues, little philosophically divides the candidates. All spoke in some way about cutting taxes and limiting growth, though Ford supports eliminating the state’s income tax immediately, as opposed to the controlled glidepath currently backed by the General Assembly. All supported school choice, and offered general platitudes of “common sense” governance. The dividing line, it seems, is in their approach. While Hill’s campaign communications have focused more on his conservation bona fides and his experience in business — including a 40-year career in the maritime industry — both Johnston and Ford have placed a heavier emphasis on culture war issues favored by grassroots conservatives. Ford’s campaign — which has been largely fueled by a $20,000 loan from the candidate — pledges to “eliminate ideological and indoctrination” in schools and workplaces and oppose vaccine mandates alongside pre-existing grievances around election integrity dating back to the 2020 election.Johnston, whose campaign focuses largely around promoting the “truth” about the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol, offers a general opposition to “radical agendas” and the enactment of hate crime laws alongside novel ideas like an apprentice program for aspiring lawyers in lieu of attending law school. For Democrats House District 98 has not been competitive at any point during Murphy’s 15-year tenure. But Democrats are hopeful recent down-ballot victories in traditionally “red” areas around the state and the traditionally anemic turnout for special elections could allow them to be competitive in January should Republicans nominate a weak candidate.
