Curtis Bashaw, a New Jersey hotel owner and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, had an apparent medical episode during a televised debate with his Democratic opponent.

Bashaw is facing Democratic congressman Andy Kim, 42, for the seat formerly held by Bob Menendez, who resigned and opted not to run for re-election after his conviction in a bribery scandal.

Republican freezes up

The episode happened just moments into the debate, as Bashaw was discussing high cost of living in New Jersey. The 63-year-old froze up, gripped his podium and leaned forward.

"I'm a businessman that has created jobs, a thousand jobs, over the last 35 years," Bashaw said. "And I think we need to make sure that we are dealing with affordability in a sensible way..." Bashaw said, trailing off.

Someone could be heard shouting "Curtis!" as Kim walked over and asked if Bashaw was okay. Bashaw, staring, responded, "Yeah."

After a short commercial break, the debate continued without incident for another two hours.

“I got so worked up about this affordability issue that I realized I hadn’t eaten so much food today,” Bashaw told viewers after the break. “So I appreciate your indulgence."

Republican's longshot bid

At the debate, the candidates discussed topics like abortion, immigration, and inflation. Bashaw, an openly gay South Jersey hotel owner who is running to be the first elected Republican senator in New Jersey since 1972, presented himself as a moderate who supports abortion access.

“I don’t think government should tell me who I can marry. I don’t think it should tell a woman what she can do with her reproductive health choices," Bashaw said.

Bashaw also blasted Kim over the border crisis, as Kim dinged Bashaw - who defeated a Trump-endorsed primary candidate - for supporting President Trump in the general election.

Bashaw labeled Kim, a congressman since 2019, a career politician and a Washington D.C., insider, tying him to Menendez, who was convicted in a sordid bribery scheme this year. Kim defeated the wife of Governor Phil Murphy, Tammy Murphy, in the Democratic primary after Menendez was indicted.

Later, Bashaw thanked everyone concerned for his health on X.

"Thank you all for the well wishes! I was out campaigning all day, and I never stopped to get a bite to eat. Excited to eat pizza with my fantastic volunteers at the post-debate party tonight!" he wrote.