De Gregorio endorses Pallotta

Marine combat veteran Nick De Gregorio conceded his loss in the race for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 5th district and endorsed Frank Pallotta in his bid to unseat Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff).

For seven months, we tirelessly made our case to the voters.  Early this morning, it became clear that they opted to go a different direction.  It is a decision I respect,” said De Gregorio.  “I urge my supporters to get behind Frank and the Republican ticket this Fall.”

Pallotta leads De Gregorio by 1,200 votes.  He carried Bergen County, where he had the organization line, but only by a about 1,000 votes – not enough to offset Pallotta’s pluralities in Sussex and Passaic.

Some Republicans have speculated that De Gregorio might challenge State Sen. Joseph Lagana (D-Paramus) in the 38th district next year, although it’s not clear whether De Gregorio is interested.

“In victory we realize our potential, but in defeat we realize who we are.  I am proud of the campaign I ran, and of the people who helped me run it.  Seven days a week, we gave it everything we had,” he said.  “I now look forward to spending those days with my wife and kids again.”