Sen. Cory Booker and GOP challenger Justin Murphy clash over Iran war in New Jersey debate

On Oct. 13, 2026, a live debate at Rider University in New Jersey saw Senate incumbent Cory Booker and Republican challenger Justin Murphy spar over the ongoing war in Iran.

Murphy, a former Tabernacle deputy mayor and Navy veteran, told the crowd that President Donald Trump should "put your cowboy hat on and get out there and kick some ** and get this done," urging the president to "finish" the conflict. His comments prompted loud applause and a shouted "Wow" from Booker, captured on the debate’s split‑screen broadcast.

"Finish that war in a positive manner," Murphy said. "We can't wait halfway through and decide we don't want to do this anymore. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a radical terrorist organization that has deprived the Iranian and Persian people of their history and a decent life."

Booker responded by labeling Murphy’s stance as "Yahoo" foreign policy, noting that similar bravado has cost the United States "trillions of dollars" in Middle‑East wars. He warned that the approach could lead to another prolonged conflict, adding that the nation has already spent "eight trillion dollars" on foreign wars without clear success.

The exchange came as New Jersey, traditionally a blue state, has shown a shift toward the Republican side in recent elections, with President Trump winning several key areas in 2024. Yet the last Republican Senate win in the state dates back to 1972, underscoring the high stakes of the race.

Murphy also used the platform to address sanctuary cities and illegal immigration, recounting a story about a child allegedly abducted by an illegal immigrant. He framed his stance as a defense of public safety, while Booker stayed focused on the foreign‑policy debate.

Observers noted the dramatic contrast in experience: Murphy highlighted his time sailing through the Strait of Hormuz as a nineteen‑year‑old sailor, whereas Booker, a former Newark mayor, has no comparable naval background.

The moment has already generated viral clips on social media, with many praising Murphy’s bluntness and others critiquing Booker’s reaction as hesitant. Both candidates are expected to continue emphasizing their respective foreign‑policy platforms as the campaign enters its final weeks.

As the Senate race heads toward the November ballot, voters will weigh Murphy’s call for decisive military action against Booker’s cautionary appeal for diplomatic restraint.