Harrison ready to enter 2nd district House race

Brigid Callahan Harrison, a prominent political science professor, is expected to announce her bid for the Democratic congressional nomination in the 2nd district, several sources have told the New Jersey Globe.

Harrison had been considering a challenge to Rep. Jeff Van Drew in the Democratic primary.  Van Drew is now switching parties and may seek re-election as a Republican.

Several other Democrats are actively considering a House bid, including Atlantic County Freeholder Ashley Bennett, Cumberland County Freeholder Jack Surrency, and West Cape May Commissioner John Francis III. 

A well-known political pundit, Harrison has deep roots in Atlantic County.  She lives in Longport and ran a strong race for freeholder in the 1990s. She is a former secretary of the Atlantic County Democratic organization.

Harrison emerged as a potential candidate after Van Drew became one of two House Democrats to vote against opening an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.

Van Drew announced a few days ago that he would vote against impeaching Trump.