Fitzherbert drops out, endorses Van Drew

Brian Fitzherbert has ended his bid for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd district and is endorsing Democrat-turned-Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew.

“I have decided to suspend my campaign and follow President Trump’s lead in supporting Congressman Van Drew for re-election,” Fitzherbert said.  “I am also calling upon the other Republican candidates and those who have supported me to do the same so that our party can move forward united and build upon South Jersey’s success last November. It is essential that we unite as a party and fight together to ensure we re-elect President Trump in 2020.”

The New Jersey Globe reported this morning that David Richter could be switching races, dropping his challenge to Van Drew in the GOP primary and instead running against Rep. Andy Kim in the 3rd.

This marks an early end to a second House bid for Fitzherbert.

He sought the GOP nomination in 2018 and won the organization line in Gloucester County, but dropped out of the race after he failed to secure enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Fitzherbert had struggled to raise money and reported raising just $21,150 as of October.  He has not yet filed his year-end report with the Federal Election Commission.

“I will continue to fight for my conservative values of protecting the unborn, upholding the 2nd Amendment, promoting greater fiscal responsibility and prioritizing the needs of our Veterans. And, as I always have, will continue to work to grow the next generation of leaders through the Young Republican Organization. Thank you for the opportunity to run for Congress. God Bless South Jersey,” Fitzherbert said.

Republicans have been trying to talk Fitzherbert out of the race since last fall and have dangled the possibility of running for State Assembly next year  in the 2nd district against incumbents Vince Mazzeo (D-Northfield) and John Armato (D-Buena Vista).

Armato nearly lost his seat in 2019 and State Sen. Chris Brown (R-Ventnor) will be on the ballot in 2021.