Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairman Ben Ray Lujan was in Vineland today for the opening of the Jeff Van Drew’s campaign office. Van Drew, a four-term state senator, is seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 2nd district. Republicans have held the seat for 24 years, but the retirement of Republican Frank LoBiondo gives the Democrats a clear shot at picking up the seat.
The Cook Political Report recently changed the rating of this race from Toss-Up to Leans Democrat. Republicans have been unable to recruit a top-tier candidate to replace LoBiondo.
Van Drew, a right-of-center Democrat, faces three primary challengers from the left: Tanzie Youngblood, Sean Thom, and Will Cunningham.