Bob Menendez’s indictment has thrown New Jersey’s 2024 battlefield into chaos with Democrats across the state angling for a promotion; on Saturday, Congressman Andy Kim (D, NJ-03) threw his hat into an emerging Democrat primary.
Now the NJGOP primary is evolving, too, and a new possible challenger from the other side of the aisle is emerging from Kim’s neighboring South Jersey district.
Jeff Van Drew spoke exclusively to Save Jersey over the weekend and signaled serious interest in a possible challenge to the embattled Democrat senator.
“I believe this is a unique opportunity for New Jersey Republicans to elect a Conservative leader to the Senate who truly believes in the values of the working people of this great state,” Van Drew (R, NJ-02) explained. “New Jersey has become the testing ground for far-left policies. This could be our opportunity to stop this radical agenda right in its tracks.”
A former Democrat who switched parties in late 2019 over his objections to the Russiagate impeachment, Van Drew, a populist conservative and former Cape May County dentist, has developed a reputation as one of Donald Trump’s most reliable allies on Capitol Hill. He’s also (perhaps ironically) the NJGOP’s most aggressive conservative voice on issues ranging from immigration to Biden Family corruption despite having only been a Republican for a few years.
Van Drew tells us he’s focused on his current position but plans to give a potential 2024 run serious consideration.
“I have been honored that people across New Jersey have asked that I consider running for the United States Senate, and I will be making that consideration,” added Van Drew. “For now though, I will be remaining focused on my critical work for the people of South Jersey and holding this administration accountable for its many wrongdoings.”
Aside from hundreds of calls urging him to consider a run over the past 24 hours, I’m also told that President Trump himself has urged Van Drew to consider a statewide campaign in the past. Van Drew’s profile and a strong hypothetical Trump endorsement could clear the field.
The current GOP Senate field includes Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner but, sans Van Drew, lacks a GOP figure with Congressman Van Drew’s national name recognition in party circle.s
