An assertive new cable TV and digital ad features Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City) claiming that his Democratic primary opponent “wants to run against my father because he’s scared to run against me.”
The freshman congressman’s father is Bob Menendez, a three-term U.S. Senator now on trial for corruption. He faces Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla in the June 4 Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 8th district.
The ad, “Scared,” has Menendez speaking directly to the camera and touting his own accomplishments in a positive message that highlights affordability issues and defending abortion rights from MAGA Republicans.
Script: “My opponent wants to run against my father because he’s scared to run against me. That’s on him. I’m focused on fighting for you. To make life more affordable, my first bill was lowering prescription costs and increasing childcare tax credits. I’m protecting health care coverage for pre-existing conditions, and I’m defending abortion rights from the MAGA Republicans. I’m Rob Menendez, and you’re who I’m fighting for. That’s why I approve this message.”
A third candidate, Kyle Jasey, is also in the race.