Tech entrepreneur Joe Salerno’s campaign for New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district picked up its first notable endorsement this morning, with former Atlantic County Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick (D-Linwood) lending her support.
“Joe Salerno and I share the same goals,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “We believe in promoting Democratic values, driving economic growth, and securing a better and more affordable future for South Jersey.”
Last year, Fitzpatrick was the Democratic nominee against State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township), whose 2nd legislative district seat covers most of Atlantic County. Polistina ended up defeating Fitzpatrick 52%-45%, dashing Democratic hopes of retaking the competitive district.
Salerno is hoping for a different outcome in his race this year against Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis). A resident of Lower Township and a first-time candidate for office, Salerno is the fundraising leader in the 2nd congressional district’s Democratic primary thanks to an early bout of self-funding, but three other Democrats – Tim Alexander, Carolyn Rush, and Brandon Saffold – are also running.
Alexander and Rush both previously ran in 2022, with Alexander becoming the Democratic nominee and losing to Van Drew 59%-40%. Rush was the primary runner-up that year; she’s now part of Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown)’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county organizational line system, which groups candidates endorsed by county party organizations (like Alexander was in 2022) together on primary ballots.
The conventions to award Democratic lines in this year’s 2nd district contest will begin soon, with Cumberland County Democrats meeting on March 7 and Ocean, Cape May, and Atlantic Democrats convening soon afterwards. Salerno and Alexander appear to be the frontrunners, and Fitzpatrick’s endorsement of Salerno should give him a boost at the Atlantic convention.