Alex Zdan, a former News12 reporter who has spent the last few years growing more involved in New Jersey GOP politics, may run for U.S. Senate this year against Senator Cory Booker.
Zdan confirmed to the New Jersey Globe that he is “strongly considering” a campaign, and that he has begun speaking with party leaders around the state. As for when a decision might come, Zdan said it would be soon.
“I welcome any and all opportunities to help my party stand and fight against delusional Democrats and their misguided policies,” Zdan said. “I’ve interviewed Sen. Booker numerous times and would be happy to face him on the debate stage to expose his record of failure.”
Republicans are currently barreling towards the 2026 midterms without anyone to rally behind in the race for Senate; the one declared GOP candidate, former Tabernacle Committeeman Justin Murphy, has raised almost no money and is now on his fourth congressional campaign. A handful of other Republicans, among them State Sen. Mike Testa (R-Vineland) and comedian Vinnie Brand, have said they’re considering running.
The recruitment troubles stem in part from GOP pessimism that Booker can be defeated, given that the senator has won all three of his elections by double digits and has a staggering $22 million in the bank.
Zdan spent six years reporting for News12, where he developed a reputation for his aggressive questioning style, before being laid off in 2023. He quickly pivoted to a career in Republican politics, launching a 2024 campaign for U.S. Senate that garnered a decent amount of support before petering out; shortly before the filing deadline, Zdan dropped out of the race and endorsed eventual GOP primary winner Curtis Bashaw.
Zdan has since founded his own political group, the “ALFA PAC,” and told Politico last year that he was considering running for the 3rd congressional district against Rep. Herb Conaway (D-Delran). Asked today whether he’s still thinking about a campaign there instead, Zdan said “everything is on the table.”