Talk of Van Drew (R) Senate bid could mean open seat in NJ-2
There is already speculation over who might run for an open congressional seat in New Jersey’s 2nd district if Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) decides to seek a seat in the United States Senate.
Van Drew is taking a hard look at a statewide run, either against indicted incumbent Bob Menendez or against the winner of the Democratic primary. Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) is already in the race, and First Lady Tammy Murphy could be next in.
NJ-2 is considered Likely Republican. Van Drew flipped the seat as a Democrat in 2018 with an eight-point margin, held it as a Republican by six points against a well-funded challenger, Amy Kennedy, in 2020, and after redistricting, was re-elected by nineteen points in 2022.
Under the new lines, Trump would have won the district by five points, while 2021 gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli beat Gov. Phil Murphy in the district by an astonishing 21-point margin.
There’s a long shortlist of potential Republican candidates, including three state senators: Michael Testa, Jr. (R-Vineland), Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township), and Ed Durr (R-Logan). Durr, who ousted Senate President Steve Sweeney two years ago, faces a tough race for re-election this year.
https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/talk-of-van-drew-senate-bid-could-mean-open-seat-in-nj-2/