Van Drew was first elected to Congress in 2018 after his tenure in state Legislature. Rutgers University, B.S. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Still, he was out-raised by Ms. Kennedy, who generated $4.25 million in contributions, compared with the $3.9 million he was able to bank. She has been quick to acknowledge the advantages of the family tie, Listen, the Kennedy family is great, she told Politico. The MAGA mission already has dealt a severe blow with the Dobbs decision (that overturned abortion rights and the Roe v. Wade decision).. 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. Not legal gun owners.. Van Drews victory ended the familys tenure in Washington for the first time since President John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress immediately following World War 2. And, since theyre running in Southern New Jerseywhere old school power brokers and entrenched party machines still hold swaythere are other factors to consider. "Too many of our leaders have lost their moral compass," she said. Reply HELP for help. Even with our nation being shaken to the core, Van Drew went ahead and voted NO on the bipartisan second . Please contact our office for more information on Representative Van Drew. She and Patrick make frequent public appearances (including at the 2019 Town & Country Philanthropy Summit) to discuss mental health and addiction initiatives. All rights reserved (About Us). Van Drew added that former Republican President Ronald Reagan was one of his favorite presidents and that Reagans comment about how the Democrat party left Reagan also rang true for him. When he leaves the House in January, there will be no Kennedy in Congress. But Ms. Kennedy had not conceded by early Friday afternoon. The election in New Jersey was conducted mostly by mail and yielded a voter turnout that Gov. Mr. Van Drew was a vocal opponent of the presidents impeachment and joined the Republicans in December when it became clear that he could not count on re-election support from Democratic leaders in his South Jersey district, setting up a marquee House race infused with national angst. In other races, Representative Mikie Sherrill, a first-term Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot, beat Rosemary Becchi, a tax lawyer, and U.S. On one side is Gov. Election Day a test of local, county and federal priorities, ELECTION ROUNDUP: Congressman Jeff Van Drew declares victory in CD2 race; Atlantic City voters reject election switch, Van Drew claims victory in 2nd Congressional District, Van Drew optimistic about GOP after his big win Tuesday; Alexander concedes, Local politicians, public figures support Respect for Marriage Act, Prominent Dems, CWA endorse Tim Alexander in 2nd Congressional District race, Political Briefs: Van Drew pays Callaway $25,000 for consulting, Alexander, Gallo debate without incumbent Van Drew, Kellyanne Conway stumps for Van Drew as protesters focus on reproductive rights, Van Drew to skip League of Women Voters debate, citing organizers' bias, Van Drew opposing ID cards for undocumented immigrants through new legislation, Pro-life activists vow to set limits on abortion in New Jersey now that Roe is over, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Dogs, mushers prep for Iditarod as PETA accuses racers of animal abuse. MAGA wants to destroy Democracy just tear it down, Alexander said. Alexander has raised about $442,000 this cycle, and had about $39,000 cash on hand as of Sept. 30, according to FEC filings. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Heearned his Bachelor of Sciencefrom Rutgers University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School. President Trump endorsed Van Drew in the House Race for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional Districtduring the pair'smeeting at the White House in December 2019. "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." degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. The Trump Van Drew Wildwood Rally that still holds the record for the most rally tickets ever requested at more than 165,000. Trump praised Van Drew and hosted him at the White House, where the congressman pledged his support. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Robert Moore; Ceasefire NJ Legislative Director, Delores Phillips; and former Chairman of the Federation of American Scientists, Frank von Hippel!Read more below! This is his first time running for elected office. If you already have an account (i.e. 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. 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.. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. He currently serves on the House Homeland Security and Education and Labor committees. Van Drew has two grandchildren. He also cited vast government spending in the midst of the COVID pandemic as the main cause of inflation, while Alexander cited the Russia war on Ukraine and disruptions in supply chains caused by the pandemic. There was a problem saving your notification. (The fact that Kennedy beat Norcrosss candidate was major news in New Jersey political circles. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Mr. Van Drews protracted victory appeared to vindicate his politically fraught decision to cross party lines and align himself with the president during last years impeachment proceedings. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Doing what's right shouldn't be complicated. Kennedy, a yearslong resident of Brigantine, north of Atlantic City, highlighted the economy and environmental issues in the minutelong video announcing her run. ), ENDORSEMENT ALERT:Executive Director of Coalition for Peace Action, Rev. 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. 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. 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. State law was changed five years ago to limit to three the number of ballots a messenger like Mr. Calloway can deliver to a polling place or collection site. I dont know what a racist dog whistle is, but I dont have one, Van Drew responded. Legal Statement. All Rights Reserved. https://t.co/lJHDCwWhS5. Taking Van Drews hand, President Trump replied, Thank you very much. When President Trump traveled to South Jersey a few weeks later for one of his signature campaign rallies with Van Drew it was the first time in more than a century that a sitting President had visited Cape May County. "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. Jeff Van Drew No one understands the impacts of shifting fish stocks more than commercial and recreational fishermen in my district. 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. Local observers attributed much of that falloff to the work of Craig Callaway, a notorious political operative whom Mr. Van Drew had paid more than $100,000 for his get-out-the-vote efforts. (P. Kenneth Burns/WHYY) Van Drew made the case that he is working for the district during a debate at Stockton University on Oct. 19 . Van Drew is a dentist having run his own practice for more than 35 years before retiring upon his election to Congress. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) is shown in this 2011 file photo. Mr. Van Drew was able to overcome the stigma of switching parties, buoyed by Mr. Trumps warm embrace in a district that the president won by about five points in 2016. But the truth is, we believed, he added. Use the 'Report' link on It was Ms. Kennedys first run for elective office. However, a recentStockton University pollof 676 likely voters reveals the race will likely be closer, withKennedy leading Van Drew by just1 percentage point, 46 percent to 45 percent well within the polls margin of error. Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew slammed the Biden administration for its continual lack of transparency withthe American people - this time about the correlation of offshore wind development and the death of endangered whales. Its basically trying to get out the worst common denominator, and to align them with Sen. Van Drew, it seems. 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. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and his Doctor of. He has won 12 Grammy Awards, and three of his solo albums . Illinois Gov. Jeff Van Drew Office | Jeff Van Drew Contacts. Current House member Joseph Kennedy III lost a Senate primary earlier this year to Ed Markey, and will step down from Congress when his term ends on January 3rd.Will this be the end of a powerful family's 60-year political run? As many have pointed out, if Amy does not win the seat, it will be the first time in decades that there is no Kennedy in Congress. You can cancel at any time. Thats unbelievable, thats America., I dont want anyone to ever tell me that there isnt American exceptionalism, Van Drew continued. Pritzker keeping options open as some Democrats look for new blood, Cruz blasts Biden's 'incompetent' cabinet picks, warns vulnerable Democrats of consequences in 2024 elections, Marianne Williamson launches campaign against Biden, vows to fight 'forces of hatred, injustice and fear', Trump overwhelmingly wins CPAC's Republican primary straw poll with DeSantis coming in a distant second. 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. Also running against Van Drew and Alexander are Libertarian Mike Gallo, of Villas in Lower Township; and perennial candidate Anthony Parisi Sanchez, of Millville. Van Drew has raised about $2.9 million this election cycle, and had about $925,000 cash on hand as of Sept. 30, according to Federal Election Commission filings. As for the coronavirus, Van Drew does not support a national mask mandate. I believe that this country can afford people opportunity and give them that opportunity so they can succeed., Van Drew took a shot at the extreme members of the Democrat party who he says told him that trying to be bipartisan is a bad thing and because being bipartisan would make him like a Republican.. 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. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., told Newsmax on Wednesday that, as a dentist with microbiology training, the wet market COVID-19 origin theory never made sense to him. Market data provided by Factset. Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. Growing up in the same place that I currently live, Ive got the people that know me.. In an unrelated twist, Callaways sister, Gwen Lewis, who is also active in Southern New Jersey politics and works on the influential Atlantic City Democratic Committeebacks Kennedy. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew was named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). The district leans Republican, having went for Trump in 2016. Van Drew, of Dennis Township, is a 69-year-old former dentist who held local and county offices before being elected to and spending years in the state Assembly and then the state Senate. We believed in the America that we know, the America that we love, the America that we know is this great place.. You have my undying support, Van Drew told Trump. The general election matchup is set . 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. Ms. Kennedys husband, Patrick Kennedy, a former congressman from Rhode Island, is a nephew of President John F. Kennedy. The United States of America is an exceptional nation and I will continue to work with anyone willing to put party aside to fight for a strong America and a strong South Jersey, Mr. Van Drew said. 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. John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, moderated the debate. She also criticized the president and Van Drew for contributing to a decline in morality in public discourse. Hugh Michael Jackman (born 12 October 1968) is an Australian actor, singer, and producer. 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. Who Is Jeff Van Drew's Wife? The leftwing Democrat running against Rep. Jefferson H. "Jeff" Van Drew (R.-N.J.) has put her money where her mouth is, . I would start with how this started, Van Drew began. This content is imported from twitter. Eight months later, Van Drew was given a coveted speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. Mr. Van Drew may be returning to Washington without Mr. Trump, whose prospects for re-election appeared to be fading fast as the last votes were counted in Pennsylvania and other battleground states. Among the competitors are Montclair State University political science professor Brigid Harrison, a longtime southern New Jersey resident who has garnered support from Democratic lawmakers already. Mr. Callaway had worked for Ms. Kennedy during the Democratic primary, but after a falling out signed on with the Van Drew campaign. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Washington, DC Office 331 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone . Oct 30, 2020. The same radicals trying to install him as their puppet president, he continued. Democratic challenger Tim Alexander, left, and incumbent U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, debated the issues Wednesday during a Congressional debate, co-sponsored by the William J. Hughes. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci). Gov. Women's Health Protection Act (2021) The Women's Health Protection Act is one of the most extreme pieces of abortion legislation ever introduced. Three things to know about what critics are calling Mississippis Jim Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary blasts Ocasio-Cortez: She kills jobs by the Twitter discloses another possible government censorship effort. Ordinarily in down-ballot contestselection races that include presidential ticketsparty affiliation is the major deciding factor. In a year of electoral extremes, observers are embracing this as an old-fashioned horse race. ### But they disagreed strongly on border issues in general, with Alexander saying far more people are here illegally on expired visas, and Van Drew countering that the porousness of the southern border lets not only illegal immigrants through but also illegal drugs like Fentanyl. He won the Democratic primary on June 5, 2018. United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew made history in December 2019 when, after leading the charge to DEFEAT House Democrats sham impeachment against President Trump, he joined the President in the Oval Office to announce his decision to become a Republican. Representative Jefferson Van Drew (1953 - ) In Congress 2019 - Present |. 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. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Anyone can read what you share. Van Drews Republican opponent, Susan Adelizzi Schmidt, favors gay marriage. Feb 7, 2021. The race was the last New Jersey congressional contest to be decided, and one of only two in the state won by a Republican. He said the farms could hurt the fishing industry, which is critical to the area, and the visibility of 1,000-foot towers can hurt the tourism industry. Patrick and Amy Kennedy with their son Owen and daughter Nora at a Senate hearing. The incumbent. Amy Kennedy, who is married to former Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, announced her candidacy for the 2nd District House seat in an online video. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He was first elected to Congress in 2018 as a Democrat, but changed parties in Dec. 2019 after falling out with the Democratic Party over his refusal to vote to impeach President Donald Trump. Press News Editor Nick Huba and journalist Clyde Hughes of Frontrunner NJ asked the candidates questions, which came from Stockton students, Press readers and others. TRENTON The battle over gay marriage in New Jersey is over, but apparently not in the 1st Legislative District. 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. Amy Kennedy, who married into the political dynasty. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren, and reside in Dennis Township. 374 views 0 comments. The 2nd District includes all or parts of eight counties and stretches from suburban Philadelphia along the Delaware River in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. 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.