Its certainly an issue in the KennedyVan Drew matchup, but these two candidates have offered voters much more to chew over than simply who is red or blue. Gov. Republican, NJ-02 . Soon after Mr. Van Drew switched parties with a pledge of undying support for Mr. Trump the president came to the district for a raucous, campaign-style rally that solidified the lifelong Democrats standing in the eyes of many Republicans. He won the election as a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party last December. Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. Alexander, 56, of Galloway Township, is a former police officer who retired as a captain from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, then became a civil rights attorney. Michelle Gustafson for The New York Times, unsuccessful Democratic primary challenge. Washington, DC Office 331 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone . Required fields are marked *, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Don't forget to check the Photo Gallery & Video. In the NJ legislature, he reliably catered to special intere. Married, Ricarda. Meet Mrs. Ricarda Van Drew; wife of democratic politician Jeff Van Drew, who has been serving as the U.S Representative for New Jerseys 2nd congressional district. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Im endorsing him. Van Drews move drew instant anger from fellow Democrats and earned him the nickname, Switcheroo Van Drew. Do you know what we would have done with a guy like that in my neighborhood in Paterson? said fellow New Jersey representative Bill Pascrell Jr. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. But Ms. Kennedy had not conceded by early Friday afternoon. The last time that happened was in 2011, when Patrick J. Kennedy gave up his seat after struggling with mental illness and drug addiction, marking the first time since 1947 that no member of the family had held federal office. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism When the Democrats tried to order me around, I was ready, willing and able to say I've had enough with their radical, socialist agenda, Van Drew said. John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, moderated the debate. Mixing up celebrities and tech with a twist, December 15, 2019 by L.A Girl Leave a Comment. Thats you know, theres a little bit of states rights here. Sign up for a digital subscription to The Press of Atlantic City now and take advantage of a great offer. The race between Van Drew and Kennedy is currently ranked as a toss up by Cook Political Report. In other races, Representative Mikie Sherrill, a first-term Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot, beat Rosemary Becchi, a tax lawyer, and U.S. He said: "Every day and every way we're losing freedom in this country, whether it's the ability to speak out online . The piece says Van Drew supports traditional marriage and letting the people vote on the definition of marriage, while Adelizzi-Schmidt thinks she can take your vote for granted while cozying up to same-sex marriage proponents who denied your right to vote on marriage., Troy Stevenson, executive director of Garden State Equality the states largest gay rights organization called the flyer disgusting and said he wants Van Drew to disavow it., Its discrimination-bating, Stevenson said. Patrick, who has spoken openly about his own struggles with addiction, is also the co-founder of One Mind, a non-profit focused on brain injuries and illnesses. Legal Statement. "I would support that we all should be careful and we should be doing whats medically correct," he added. "I believe that this is just a better fit for me," Van Drew said in the Oval Office, according to a White House press pool report. Mr. Callaway, who served more than three years in prison for bribery, specializes in delivering mail ballots from low-income precincts in and around Atlantic City, a Democratic stronghold. As of 10:10 p.m. and with an estimated 49% of votes reported, Van Drew leads Alexander by a 59%-40% margin, though that may change substantially as more votes come in. Prior to all of that, Jeff Van Drew was a dentist in South Jersey. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, Matt Friedman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. You know that and I know that and hopefully everyone in this room knows that.. Van Drew, whose comments thus far through his remarks had seemed to take aim at socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), then took direct aim at the far-left 29-year-old. The Associated Press called the race with about 80 percent of precincts reporting. This content is imported from twitter. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J . degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. We can have a strong and good environment and we can have a good economy at the same thing and that is something that I think Republicanism represents.. Van Drew continues to distinguish himself as New Jerseys Trump-Endorsed Conservative Congressman for having the courage to stand strong in support of President Trump and his America First legacy. "A lot of us, including myself, found this to be a real strange business," Van Drew said during an appearance on Newsmax's "National Report." Doing what's right shouldn't be complicated. Its basically trying to get out the worst common denominator, and to align them with Sen. Van Drew, it seems. I dont even know how anybody could ever bring that up. "But there are good doctors and good leaders in those areas that can make those decisions.". Its president, Len Deo, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) A member of the Kennedy family, a former public school teacher, said Monday she will run as a Democrat against party-switching Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey. ", Van Drew said he reconsidered his party affiliation with the rise of the Squad of liberal House Democratic lawmakers. Today, Congressman Van Drew announced he will be holding his firsthearing in South Jersey on March 16th regardingoffshore wind projects being built off the coast of New Jersey, with time and location to be announced in the coming weeks. Congressman Jeff Van Drew made his exit from the Democrat Party official on Thursday during a meeting in the Oval Office in front of reporters as he explained how Democrats continued push toward far-left anti-American policies drove him to becoming a Republican. He is married with two children, two grandchildren, and two German shepherds. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican congressman who defected from the Democrats, beat back a challenge from a former schoolteacher who is married to a Kennedy nephew. Black and brown people fleeing drug cartels are coming across there (but) people coming in on visas look like them, so they dont want to say they are the problem.. And by the way, same way. You may unsubscribe at any time. Patrick Kennedy served eight terms in Congress representing Rhode Island. Ms. Kennedys performance in her home base of Atlantic County was disappointing, compared with the strong support there for Joseph R. Biden Jr., the former vice president, in the presidential race. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) is shown in this 2011 file photo. A year into VanDrew's first term in Congress, he was one of only three Democrats to break with the party on impeachingPresident Trump. Politics New Jersey Republican Apology Family New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew, who switched from the Democratic to Republican party in 2019, condemned an Ocean City Sentinel newspaper. Van Drew has two grandchildren. The district leans Republican, having went for Trump in 2016. In a statement issued after the race was called on Friday, Mr. Van Drew made only a passing reference to his decision to switch parties. He introducedthe Health Smart Air Travel Act in October, which if enacted would seek to developnew technologies that mitigate virus transmission in airports and passenger aircrafts. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Jeff Van Drew Every American of every background and creed should be furious with China for their disregard of human well-being amidst the Coronavirus cover-up they have participated in. Its tally showed that he had received 51.7 percent of the votes, compared with 46.7 percent for Ms. Kennedy. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci). New Jersey - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced he will be holding his first hearing in South Jersey on March 16th regarding offshore wind projects being built off the coast of New Jersey, with time and location to be announced in the coming weeks. 02/03/2023. Van Drews Republican opponent, Susan Adelizzi Schmidt, favors gay marriage. Will Van Drew's 2019 political gamble be his undoing? Van Drew also could not immediately be reached for comment. Alexander said he supports womens rights to decide for themselves whether or not to continue a pregnancy, and doesnt think government should insert itself into the question at all. Van Drew got his start in politics asCape May County Freeholder from 1994 to 1997. TRENTON, N.J. When Representative Jeff Van Drew, a moderate Democrat who has staunchly opposed impeaching President Trump, decided to jump to the Republican Party, he got Mr. Trump's. However, he's also stressed the importance of reopening and getting Americans back to work. Assemblyman Don Guardian remembers when he and his husband, Louis Fatato, joined in a domestic partnership in 2005. This is not the America we know and love, Van Drew said. The money race. each comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us. The district also includes small portions of Burlington and Camden Counties. When asked if the nation is at risk of losing its Democracy, Alexander said MAGA Republicans who are strong supporters of former President Donald Trump are a threat. Vote: Jeff Van Drew voted Yea (Passage) - HR 185 - To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Of course I blame Van Drew, Lassiter said. one of the featured speakers at the final night of the 2020 Republican National Convention. In announcing his party change, Van Drew cited the Democrat Partys embrace of Socialism and the Radical Left, and in doing so, he became the first Congressman in American history to leave the majority party and join the minority party in the United States House of Representatives. (The fact that Kennedy beat Norcrosss candidate was major news in New Jersey political circles. Representative Jeff Van Drew, a onetime Democrat who switched parties in December and declared allegiance to President Trump, held onto his New Jersey seat in a race against Amy Kennedy, a former teacher who married into an American political dynasty. We have to invest in wind energy, said Democratic challenger Tim Alexander, 56, of Galloway Township. So, how much is Jeff Van Drew worth at the age of 69 years old? This new Democrat Party wasn't just for higher taxes, now they were for open borders, against our police and against our God-given rights.. During a debate with his opponent, Amy Kennedy, last month, Van Drew pushed back against the movement to defund the police,arguing that it means officers "wont get the equipment, the safety equipment, the vests, whatever else they need to make sure that they stay alive as they take bullets for you.. I believe that this is just a better fit for me, he told reporters. For Democrats, it was just the latest sign that their party-switching colleague has abandoned his . New Jersey -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced he will be holding his firsthearing in South Jersey on March 16th regardingoffshore wind projects being built off the coast of New Jersey, with time and location to be announced in the coming weeks. Message frequency may vary. While Biden, Pelosi, and the Socialist Squad continue to push Radical policies like the Green New Deal and Defunding the Police, Congressman Van Drew has been fighting back and speaking out loudly and proudly in defense of the America we know and love. Mr. Van Drew overcame those deficits by winning in the more conservative counties of Cape May, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, A recent .css-gegin5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#9a0500;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-gegin5:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}poll shows first-time candidate Kennedy, a Democrat, leading by five points, but Van Drew, a longtime fixture in New Jersey politics who recently changed party affiliation, has launched a counteroffensive that may have evened the odds. Prior to joining Fox News' digital team in 2020, Manfredi worked for Fox Business' Making Money with Charles Payne as a production assistant. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. All rights reserved. Here is when he met with President Trump. TRENTON The battle over gay marriage in New Jersey is over, but apparently not in the 1st Legislative District. Please enter valid email address to continue. Illinois Gov. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Van Drew said the nation is at the precipice and needs saving, but the threat comes from Democratic policies that have resulted in out-of-control crime, illegal immigration and inflation. Nearly 9-in-10 Democrats (87%) and half of independents (46%) are bothered by the incumbents change of party affiliation, compared with 15% of Republicans who feel that way. A day later he appeared at a press conference in the Oval office seated with President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and announced he was switching parties. Jeff Van Drew's income source is mostly from being a successful . Explore Jeff Van Drew net worth, bio, age, height, family, wiki, birthday, career, salary [Last Update 2021]! She is married to Patrick J. Kennedy, . Anyone can read what you share. Jeff Van Drew has been around a long time, and hes got cross-party support, but I was not expecting a drop-off like that, said Michael Suleiman, chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee. Your email address will not be published. ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. Dr. Van Drew previously served as a State Senator, State Assemblyman, and Freeholder in Cape May County as well as Mayor, Township Committeeman, and a Fire Commissioner in his hometown of Dennis Township. Jeff Van Drew The 2022 general election possibly could tip the scales of power in the U.S. House of Representatives from a Democratic to Republican majority, Authorities arrested a Millville man accused of murdering a woman Wednesday afternoon by shooting her in the head, the Cumberland County Prose, Voters will decide whether to give U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, a third term in office, the fate of partisan elections in Atlantic City and , 9:50 p.m.:Voters in Atlantic City rejected a switch tononpartisan elections for their local government Tuesday, giving a victory to Mayor Ma, Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed victory Tuesday night for reelection, as he was leading with almost 58% of the vote in the 2nd Cong, CAPE MAY Voters on Tuesday opted for stability over change on City Council, supporting three incumbents and a newcomer who had the backing o, The win was huge and convincing for U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, a bright spot in the Nov. 8 general election for Republicans who were disa. from Rutgers and a D.M.D. Reply HELP for help. Ms. Kennedy was shown to have about a five-point edge over Mr. Van Drew in a Monmouth University poll conducted in late September. A former public school teacher, Amy is married to Patrick Kennedy, a former eight-term member of Congress and son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy. Personally Im pro-life, Van Drew said, but there are many people who believe abortion should be legal in the first few months but not all the way to 9 months.. Trump praised Van Drew and hosted him at the White House, where the congressman pledged his support. [The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/24/2020] Rutgers University, B.S. Gay rights activists are up in arms about a flyer a socially conservative non-profit group recently sent out to help state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) - the most conservative Democratic. Van Drew's party switch has opened up a competitive Democratic primary, with Kennedy facing several challengers. HEADLINE: Rep. Jeff Van Drew Was 'Almost Obsessively Anti-Trump' Before He Considered Joining His Party [The Daily Beast, 12/17/2019] HEADLINE: 'I will not vote' for Trump, Jeff Van Drew vowed in a voicemail. In another close congressional contest in South Jersey, Representative Andy Kim, a first-term Democrat, defeated David Richter, a wealthy Republican businessman who similarly yoked himself to Mr. Trump during the campaign. Chris Christie last month dropped his opposition in court to gay marriage after a Superior Court judge ruled gay couples must be allowed to get married starting Oct. 21, and after the state Supreme Court not only refused Christies request to delay the date, but indicated that he had little chance in succeeding in appealing the lower courts decision. Use the 'Report' link on Kennedy, a yearslong resident of Brigantine, north of Atlantic City, highlighted the economy and environmental issues in the minutelong video announcing her run. First elected to the House two years ago as a Democrat, Mr. Van Drew overcame his opponents lead in most polls, a considerable fund-raising disadvantage and the familiarity of the Kennedy name. A DEMOCRAT-TURNED-REPUBLICAN AND A KENNEDY ARE GOING HEAD-TO-HEAD IN A NEW HOUSE RACE. Today, Congressman Van Drew was named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. key issues. The incumbent. Following the endorsement, Van Drew was one of the featured speakers at the final night of the 2020 Republican National Convention. This is who I am. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Norman Vanamee is the articles director of Town & Country. His decision to join the Republicans sent political shock waves through the district, leading Mr. Richter, his would-be Republican opponent, to pack his bags to run in an adjacent district against Mr. Kim, clearing a wide path for Mr. Van Drew.