CAPE MAY CITY, N.J. – Democrats have settled on Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock as their nominee to challenge Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District this November.
Mullock, who has served as Cape May’s mayor since 2021, emerged from a crowded primary field with the backing of key South Jersey Democratic power brokers and party organizations. His victory reflects the enduring influence of the Democratic establishment in a district that has steadily trended toward Republicans in recent election cycles.
A small-business owner and former city councilman, Mullock has centered his campaign on affordability, infrastructure, and environmental issues while offering few specifics. However, he also enters the general election facing significant political headwinds. The district has become increasingly favorable to Republicans, and Van Drew remains one of the state’s most popular elected officials after winning reelection comfortably in 2024.
Republicans are expected to portray Mullock as another reliable vote for national Democratic leaders at a time when many South Jersey voters have shifted away from the party. While Mullock has emphasized his local government experience, critics note that managing a small, unusually “blue” and affluent shore community offers limited preparation for the national policy debates dominating Washington.
The race will test whether Democrats can regain ground in a district that was once considered competitive but has become more difficult territory for the party. Mullock will need to persuade independent and moderate voters that he represents a meaningful alternative to Van Drew, who has built a strong base of support across the district.
With the general election campaign now underway, Mullock faces the challenge of introducing himself to voters across a sprawling district while overcoming both the district’s Republican lean and Van Drew’s entrenched incumbency.
