Alexander announces second bid to unseat Van Drew

Tim Alexander, a civil rights attorney and former prosecutor who lost a 2022 bid for Congress by 19 percentage points, will seek a rematch with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) in New Jersey’s 2nd district.

“I have witnessed the challenges our communities face firsthand, and I am confident that my experience, passion, and dedication can bring about the change we so desperately need,” Alexander said.  “My campaign is about amplifying the voices of this district’s residents and working collaboratively to create a brighter future for all.”

Van Drew defeated Alexander by 44,695 votes last year, a margin of 59%-40%, after raising $502,345 in a campaign that largely disappointed South Jersey Democrats.

It’s not clear if Carolyn Rush, a political newcomer who won a surprisingly strong 38% against Alexander in the 2022 Democratic primary, will make a second bid for Congress next year.  Alexander had a surprisingly sluggish win, despite having the organization line in all six counties.

The 2nd district became more Republican in the last run of congressional redistricting.  Under the current map, Donald Trump beat Joe Biden by five points in 2020, and Republican Jack Ciattarelli carried the district by 41 points in 2021 against Gov. Phil Murphy.

Van Drew, a three-term incumbent, has $534,449 cash-on-hand after the first quarter of 2023.