TRENTON, N.J. (AP) A member of the Kennedy family, a former public school teacher, said Monday she will run as a Democrat against party-switching Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey. Jeff Van Drew Office | Jeff Van Drew Contacts. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patrick Kennedy served eight terms in Congress representing Rhode Island. 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. Buskie Alex Cazares as Staci Brandon Scott as Hendershot Eric Bell Jr. With Kelsey Grammer, Connie Nielsen, Hannah Ware, Jeff Hephner. expressedsupport fora second round of coronavirus stimulus, Biden replacement? Congressman Van Drew recently retired from dentistry after 30 years of practice in South Jersey. A longtime state senator from South Jersey with a reputation for being a "right-leaning moderate" in Trenton, Van Drew "was used to getting some backlash from members of his own party who. Scott Wolf is credited as . 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.. He voted against gay marriage,. Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, 40, mounted an unsuccessful Democratic primary challenge against Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts. It was held by Republican Frank LoBiondo for 12 terms before Van Drew won it in 2018. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Women's Health Protection Act (2021) The Women's Health Protection Act is one of the most extreme pieces of abortion legislation ever introduced. ", Van Drew said he reconsidered his party affiliation with the rise of the Squad of liberal House Democratic lawmakers. Farleigh Dickinson University Dental School, D.D.S. 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. Van Drew was first elected to Congress in 2018 after his tenure in state Legislature. Age. 02/03/2023. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. 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. 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. Here's my advice: Be true to who you are now, not who the Democrats used to be, he concluded. The party had moved from liberal to radical, he said. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci). Im a man. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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 Associated Press called the race with about 80 percent of precincts reporting. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Patrick and Amy Kennedy with their son Owen and daughter Nora at a Senate hearing. Despite some Democratic votersfeeling betrayed by Van Drew's party switch, Republican voters in the Garden State accepted the congressman into the party with open arms. Do Democrats need a past superstar to hold the White House in 2024? 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. Of course I blame Van Drew, Lassiter said. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, a style that drew directly from the blues and rhythm and blues genres of African. One of the bills would have allowed In God We Trust to be written on the walls of all public and private buildings and the second bill allowed the American flag to be flown anywhere, in any manner, as long as it was respectful. JUST IN: Amy Kennedy, a south Jersey native and wife of former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, announces she's seeking the Democratic nomination to run against Dem-turned-Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Soon after Mr. Van Drew switched parties with a pledge of undying support for Mr. Trump the president came to the district for a raucous, campaign-style rally that solidified the lifelong Democrats standing in the eyes of many Republicans. On one side is Gov. During his first year in office, he voted frequently with other Democrats on issues supported by House Leader Nancy Pelosi. A lot of money and a lot of power was used against me, quite frankly, to remove me from my seat during a difficult year, Mr. Van Drew said in an address to supporters late Tuesday, which his campaign manager, Ron Filan, said was a declaration of victory. A posting on the Facebook page of Mr. Van Drews campaign said that he had spoken to Mr. Trump on Thursday night and offered to help the president in any way he could. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. 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. ### Thats unbelievable, thats America., I dont want anyone to ever tell me that there isnt American exceptionalism, Van Drew continued. So, I have a few words I had few points that I really wanted to make today. Van Drew voted against certifying Joe Biden's win in the 2020 Election, even after an angry mob incited by Trump breached the U.S. Capitol resulting in the deaths of five people -- including one Capital Police Officer from New Jersey. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The bill would wipe out most state pro-life laws and make unlimited abortion until the moment of birth legal at the federal level. 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. [The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/24/2020] 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. "Each state is different," Van Drew said. He is married with two children, two grandchildren, and two German shepherds. Growing up in the same place that I currently live, Ive got the people that know me.. Married, Ricarda. Klik op de naam van een acteur of actrice uit de The Boss-cast om meer series van hem of haar te bekijken. Ordinarily in down-ballot contestselection races that include presidential ticketsparty affiliation is the major deciding factor. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Kennedy has both outraised and outspent Van Drew. This is who I am. or redistributed. 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 . Jeff Van Drew ( Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. Ive been a Democrat for a lot of years and I actually had a meeting with somebody about two weeks ago and the individual was a local county chairman in the Democratic Party.. "I would support that we all should be careful and we should be doing whats medically correct," he added. 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NEW JERSEY'S DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE. TRENTON The battle over gay marriage in New Jersey is over, but apparently not in the 1st Legislative District. Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, was re-elected in his race against the Republican candidate, Rik Mehta, a biotech entrepreneur. Representative Joeseph Kenndedy III ran, and lost, in 2020 primary battle for a Senate seat. Mostly civil debate brings out stark differences between Van Drew, Alexander. Keep it Clean. Hugh Michael Jackman (born 12 October 1968) is an Australian actor, singer, and producer. Reply HELP for help. Required fields are marked *, Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, Don't forget to check the Photo Gallery & Video. The district leans Republican, having went for Trump in 2016. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Also running against Van Drew and Alexander are Libertarian Mike Gallo, of Villas in Lower Township; and perennial candidate Anthony Parisi Sanchez, of Millville. 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. 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). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Van Drew won election in 2018 as a Democrat but announced last month he was becoming a Republican when he said he opposed impeaching Republican President Donald Trump. 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. Comparable results for Mr. Trump in the district this year were not available. It was Ms. Kennedys first run for elective office. Van Drew is a dentist having run his own practice for more than 35 years before retiring upon his election to Congress. Republican, NJ-02 . Mrs. Van Drew was born Ricarda Rose Villani on March 18, 1954. 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. pic.twitter.com/z4ZDMTFCzD, (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) December 19, 2019, Michael Reynolds/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Explore Jeff Van Drew net worth, bio, age, height, family, wiki, birthday, career, salary [Last Update 2021]! Danielle Van Drew now Danielle Dick is married to Robert Grant Dick; she graduated in 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations from Seton Hall University. Do you really believe Joe Biden is ready, willing and most of all able to do the same?. The piece says Van Drew supports traditional marriage and letting the people vote on the definition of marriage, while Adelizzi-Schmidt thinks she can take your vote for granted while cozying up to same-sex marriage proponents who denied your right to vote on marriage., Troy Stevenson, executive director of Garden State Equality the states largest gay rights organization called the flyer disgusting and said he wants Van Drew to disavow it., Its discrimination-bating, Stevenson said. Thats you know, theres a little bit of states rights here. She and Patrick make frequent public appearances (including at the 2019 Town & Country Philanthropy Summit) to discuss mental health and addiction initiatives. Sign up for a digital subscription to The Press of Atlantic City now and take advantage of a great offer. But the truth is, we believed, he added. "So, I have a few words I had few points that I really wanted to make today. Oct 30, 2020. Van Drew started out as a small business owner in Atlantic County where hepracticeddentistry for over 35 years. In 2018, VanDrewwas elected as theDemocratic CongressmanrepresentingNew JerseysSecond District. Illinois Gov. SMS opt in will not be sold, rented, or shared. "I would say there are some pieces of [a replacement]," he said, "but for an entirely appropriate plan, I would need to see more of it.". The incumbent. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., told Newsmax on Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump over his alleged mishandling of classified documents is a sign that Washington, D.C. is "afraid" of him. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Democratic challenger Tim Alexander and U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew R-2nd take part in a 2nd Congressional District Debate held Oct. 19 at Stockton University in Galloway Township. Robert Moore; Ceasefire NJ Legislative Director, Delores Phillips; and former Chairman of the Federation of American Scientists, Frank von Hippel!Read more below! 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 have also worked in nonprofits, and have been with The Press since 1990. To add to the drama, Van Drew's Democratic challenger is Amy Kennedy, a local South Jersey advocate who married into the storied political dynasty. Today, Congressman Van Drew was named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). that is degrading to another person.Be Proactive. Trump backed Van Drew after he switched parties. He also agreed with Kennedy that the federal government should stopclassifying marijuana as a controlled drug, and allow it to help with medical research. She is married to former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), the son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.. Van Drews voting record has put him in league with right wing, anti-gay radicals. Its tally showed that he had received 51.7 percent of the votes, compared with 46.7 percent for Ms. Kennedy. Ricardas husband holds a B.S. Socialism in my opinion has no place in the United States of America and I think everyone should know that. To Christopher John Jackman and Grace McNeil and he has two brothers and two sisters. Even with our nation being shaken to the core, Van Drew went ahead and voted NO on the bipartisan second . Amy Kennedy, part of the American political dynasty, quickly cruised through her Democratic primary and will face off against Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in November. Jul 7, 2021. 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. Her son Jeff, holds a BA With Honors from Rutgers University and my Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Jeff Van Drew 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. A year into VanDrew's first term in Congress, he was one of only three Democrats to break with the party on impeachingPresident Trump. While Van Drew doesn't believe the Affordable Care Actisn't as good as it should be, he argues that he needs to see a better replacement before voting to repeal it. Alexander, 56, of Galloway Township, is a former police officer who retired as a captain from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, then became a civil rights attorney. 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. Our campaigns have worked hand in hand from day one and have continued to do so since Election Night, the posting said. He was born on February 23rd, 1953 in New York City, New York, USA. He has won 12 Grammy Awards, and three of his solo albums . Tuesday night, it was Van Drew who was claimed to be victorious, and Wednesday, he was still maintaining a 9,500 vote lead, 51% to 48%. 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. Danielle Van Drew now Danielle Dick is married to Robert Grant Dick; she graduated in 2005, with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations from Seton Hall University. Van Drew ( Republican Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. You're Temporarily Blocked. She has been quick to acknowledge the advantages of the family tie, Listen, the Kennedy family is great, she told Politico. 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. 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. I really cant say anything more than I am so blessed to have them as relatives and family now, and have married into a family that really cares. But she also points out that she is a fourth-generation member of a politically active Southern New Jersey family and that her father served as councilman in Atlantic County, which is part of the district she hopes to represent. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A former public school teacher, Amy is married to Patrick Kennedy, a former eight-term member of Congress and son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy. 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. 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. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. I wish Amy had a better showing out of Atlantic County.. She is married to Patrick J. Kennedy, . Before being elected to Congress, Van Drew held several public offices . John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, moderated the debate. Renewable energy is important, but its also important we dont hurt the people who live here and work here, Van Drew said. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., told Newsmax on Friday that the recent move by credit card companies to categorize gun sales separately is a "loss of freedom" for Americans.. Van Drew told "American Agenda" that the move is his biggest concern when it comes to gun rights.. Van Drew stated that the county chairman, whom he described as younger man, threatened him that if he did not vote to impeach Trump that the county chairman would destroy him. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, I started out not as a wealthy kid, had the opportunity to work hard, got into dental school, graduated, and now Im sitting here next to the president of the United States. Earlier this year, everyone was surprised when Kennedy received the endorsement of Craig Callaway, a controversial Garden State Democratic political operative who has served time in prison for bribery. She also criticized the president and Van Drew for contributing to a decline in morality in public discourse. 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. The race between Van Drew and Kennedy is currently ranked as a toss up by Cook Political Report. Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts Pete Hegseth and Will Cain talk to New Jersey voters. 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. Legal Statement. He introducedthe Health Smart Air Travel Act in October, which if enacted would seek to developnew technologies that mitigate virus transmission in airports and passenger aircrafts. 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. Van Drew was a longtime state senator who has conservative views on a number of social issues, including gun control. I dont know what a racist dog whistle is, but I dont have one, Van Drew responded. Congressman Van Drew Named Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee "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." Following the endorsement, Van Drew was one of the featured speakers at the final night of the 2020 Republican National Convention. 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. During a debate with his opponent, Amy Kennedy, last month, Van Drew pushed back against the movement to defund the police,arguing that it means officers "wont get the equipment, the safety equipment, the vests, whatever else they need to make sure that they stay alive as they take bullets for you.. In her letter, the former schoolteacher, who married Kennedy the year after her 2010 divorce from her first husband, the Democrat wrote: "So today, I am asking for your help supporting those protesting peacefully . Philip D. Murphy, who offered a late endorsement to the candidate with a celebrity surname: Amy Kennedy, a mental health advocate and former history teacher married to Patrick. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Gay rights activists are up in arms about a flyer a socially conservative non-profit group recently sent out to help state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) - the most conservative Democratic. The district also includes small portions of Burlington and Camden Counties. He is married with two children, two grandchildren, and two German shepherds. At the time Van Drew said he felt Trump had not done anything that rose to an impeachable offense. Jeff Van Drews race against Amy Kennedy was the last New Jersey congressional contest to be decided. First reporting job was with The Daily Record in Parsippany. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) is shown in this 2011 file photo. Both Van Drew and Alexander have been married for decades and have adult children.