Ian Smith leaves GOP

Ian Smith, who lost the Republican primary for Congress in New Jersey’s 3rd two weeks ago, has joined the Libertarian Party.

“The change we are looking for starts with the individual and pours out into our families and our communities,” said Smith, a gym owner who won national attention as a critic of Gov. Phil Murphy’s Covid policies.  “There is work to be done.”

Businessman Bob Healey defeated Smith earlier this month by 4,851 votes, 53%-38%, in the June 7 Republican primary to take on Rep. Andy Kim (R-Moorestown).

In a debate last month, Smith refused to say if he would support Healey against Kim in the general election.

Smith has not yet said who he’ll back against Kim, but his new party affiliation could mean an endorsement for the Libertarian candidate, Christopher Russomano.  A Bordentown resident, Russomano is a police officer in Ewing.