Atlantic County Chairman Keith Davis is delighted to have Rep. Jeff Van Drew switch to the Republican Party, but said the organization line will be awarded by his county committee at the annual GOP convention in March.
“It’s tremendous to have a sitting congressman switch parties and join us,” Davis told the New Jersey Globe. “I’m happy about it. I’m very enthusiastic about it.”
But Davis stressed that the process of endorsing candidates in Atlantic County is an open one and that Van Drew will need to compete for his line.
The Republican county chairmen in Cape May and Cumberland have said they will back Van Drew, if that’s what President Donald Trump wants.
Still, GOP county chairs in Camden and Gloucester said on Monday that Van Drew will need to appear before their screening committees.
Burlington County Republicans awarded their line to David Richter, the former CEO of Hill International, two weeks ago.