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. A DEMOCRAT-TURNED-REPUBLICAN AND A KENNEDY ARE GOING HEAD-TO-HEAD IN A NEW HOUSE RACE. He has won 12 Grammy Awards, and three of his solo albums . With about three-fourths of the expected votes in Atlantic County counted, Mr. Biden had a 9,000-vote edge on Mr. Trump. Anyone can read what you share. If you already have an account (i.e. About 12 percent ofDrews constituents say they were not aware of his party change. I never have to face that hard choice, Alexander said. Rep. Jeff Van Drew is fighting to keep his seat in a tight contest against Democratic rival Amy Kennedy as the House race for New Jersey'ssecond congressional district has gained national attention. This is not the America we know and love, Van Drew said. He is from United States. 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. Of all the political races heading to the finish line on November 3rd, one of the most interesting (aside from, well, you know) is Amy Kennedys run against incumbent Jeff Van Drew for New Jerseys Second Congressional District. In other races, Representative Mikie Sherrill, a first-term Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot, beat Rosemary Becchi, a tax lawyer, and U.S. John Anthony White (n Gillis; born July 9, 1975), is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and music producer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the duo the White Stripes.White has enjoyed consistent critical and popular success and is widely credited as one of the key artists in the garage rock revival of the 2000s. But Van Drew's future is uncertain with both Republicans and Democrats upset at his switch. Reply STOP to cancel. Today, Congressman Van Drew was named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). All rights reserved. He said: "Every day and every way we're losing freedom in this country, whether it's the ability to speak out online . Incumbent U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, however, opposes current plans to build offshore wind farms off Atlantic and Cape May counties. In terms of the economy, he has expressedsupport fora second round of coronavirus stimulus, includingcontinued funding for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), enhanced protections and funding for first responders and healthcare workers, and openingthe stimulus check availability to college-age dependents. Van Drew said that another reason that he switched parties is because the Democrats are becoming less tolerant of diverse thought as they become more extreme. The manager of a swanky apartment building uses his access to meddle in the lives of the tenants. The Associated Press reported Van Drew's win on Friday. And Representative Tom Malinowski, a first-term Democrat who, like Mr. Kim, was elected two years ago in a so-called blue wave aligned against Mr. Trump, defeated Thomas Kean Jr., the minority leader of the State Senate. 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. She is married to Patrick J. Kennedy, . This is his first time running for elected office. The district leans Republican, having went for Trump in 2016. Doing what's right shouldn't be complicated. . John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, moderated the debate. Famous U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew was born on February 23, 1953 in New York City. Renewable energy is important, but its also important we dont hurt the people who live here and work here, Van Drew said. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. 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. I believe that this is just a better fit for me, he told reporters. I would start with how this started, Van Drew began. Van Drew is a dentist having run his own practice for more than 35 years before retiring upon his election to Congress. ), First published on January 6, 2020 / 12:21 PM. (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 . Jeff Van Drew. 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. 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.. He was born on February 23rd, 1953 in New York City, New York, USA. 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. 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. He is the son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy. Heearned his Bachelor of Sciencefrom Rutgers University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School. Jay Lassiter, an openly gay liberal activist who helped publicize the flyer, said the gay community should not let Van Drew off the hook unless he denounces it. In my first job after college got paid to read the New York Times and summarize articles for an early online data base. United States. Van Drew remained against gay marriage in 2012 when legislative Democrats made a second attempt, but his opposition wasn't enough to stop the bill from passing 24-16 in the Senate and 42-33 in the Assembly; Christie vetoed it almost immediately afterwards. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. Formerly a Democrat, he has been a member of the Republican Party since 2020.. Before being elected to Congress, Van Drew held several public offices, including fire commissioner, town committee member, mayor of Dennis . Ms. Kennedy, 42, carried only two of the eight counties Atlantic and Cumberland within the Second Congressional District, which stretches across the southern end of New Jersey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River. President Trump will hold a rally for N.J. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who became a Republican over impeachment. He and his wife have two children and two grandchildren, and reside in Dennis Township. Im also in favor of investing in companies willing to build and manufacture the devices here.. Van Drew said that he has thought about switching parties before when he was in the New Jersey state Senate when he voted on two bills that he described as being wonderful.. Rating: Jeff Van Drew was . Thats a very Republican thing by the way, Trump interjected as the room erupted in laughter. 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. By checking this box to opt-in you are agreeing to receive recurring text messages from the Van Drew for Congress campaign. 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. Message frequency may vary. New Jersey Family First is an offshoot of the New Jersey Family Policy Council. He also agreed with Kennedy that the federal government should stopclassifying marijuana as a controlled drug, and allow it to help with medical research. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Its president, Len Deo, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. He assumed office on January 3, 2019. Jefferson H. Van Drew (born February 23, 1953) is an American politician and dentist serving as the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district since 2019. This is the greatest country on the face of the earth, Van Drew continued. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and his Doctor of. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP The two main candidates in the 2nd Congressional district race revealed stark differences over abortion rights, the cause of inflation, threats to democracy, and support for offshore wind farms during a debate at Stockton University Wednesday. Im a man. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Ricardas husband holds a B.S. I dont know what a racist dog whistle is, but I dont have one, Van Drew responded. The race between Van Drew and Kennedy is currently ranked as a toss up by Cook Political Report. For Democrats, it was just the latest sign that their party-switching colleague has abandoned his . {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, The Current of Linwood NorthField and Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township family told to remove pigs and chickens from home, The transformation of Ventnor Plaza has begun, Administrators at Egg Harbor Township charter school indicted in alleged self-deal scheme, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Atlantic City man sentenced for impregnating sisters, 12 and 13, Sugar Hill Inn in Mays Landing sold, will remain closed as new owners make repairs, Atlantic City man charged with selling crack cocaine, police say, Our view: NJ cannabis may stay costly at licensed shops, 4 local wrestlers reach state finals at Boardwalk Hall, WWE superstar arrested after gun found in car at Atlantic City casino, Murphy wants flood of liquor sellers, NJ revenue, Margate-raised 'music nerd' Scott Neustadter teams with wife to bring 'Daisy Jones' to screen, Ex-Ocean City police sergeant admits relationship with teen, William J. Hughes Center For Public Policy, Stark differences between major party 2nd Congressional District candidates, Millville man wanted in woman's murder apprehended, Ready, set, race! Lisa Bonnano. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. ), ENDORSEMENT ALERT:Executive Director of Coalition for Peace Action, Rev. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Rep.-elect Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss gridlock in the House over Kevin McCarthy's bid to become the next House speaker. Kennedy, a yearslong resident of Brigantine, north of Atlantic City, highlighted the economy and environmental issues in the minutelong video announcing her run. January 6, 2020 / 12:21 PM We'd love to hear eyewitness Because of Rep. Joe . Gail Wilson/The Press of Atlantic City, via Associated Press.