Bill Spadea returns to 101.5 FM after N.J. Republican primary loss

New Jersey radio talk show host Bill Spadea is returning to the airwaves following his loss to Jack Ciattarelli in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

Spadea, who was the other top Republican contender for governor in a crowded field, sparred with Ciattarelli during the primary over who had the support of President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.

Spadea said this week he is headed back to his morning drive radio show on New Jersey 101.5 FM. He had left the station in January amid his campaign.

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“Our show has always been about the listeners, and I’m ready to keep amplifying the voices of small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, nurses, and everyone else committed to digging in and staying in New Jersey,” Spadea said.

Executives at Townsquare Media, 101.5’s parent company, said they were glad to have Spadea back.

“Bill’s audience and the team at New Jersey 101.5 are looking forward to his return,” said Brian Lang, regional vice president at Townsquare Media. “There’s no doubt he’ll have great stories to share.”

Ciattarelli — who shored up support with independents, the MAGA base, and conservative state legislators in the primary — also scored Trump’s personal endorsement in the primary after battling Spadea for it behind the scenes. Ciattarelli ultimately beat Spadea and two other primary candidates by a landslide.

Spadea has yet to endorse Ciattarelli in the general election against Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor.

Sherrill and Ciattarelli are running in the November election to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our mission of fighting for common-sense solutions to save New Jersey,” Spadea said.