Two former South Jersey state legislators – hailing from very different parties and backgrounds – weighed in on competitive House primaries this week.
In the 2nd congressional district’s Democratic primary, former Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Northfield), who represented most of Atlantic County in the Assembly for eight years and was the Democratic nominee for State Senate in 2021, endorsed Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock.
“Zack and I have followed similar paths in public service,” Mazzeo said in a statement. “We both began our careers on city council before serving as Mayor. Zack’s dedication to his community and commitment to public service is exactly why I know he will represent Atlantic County and the entire district with honor and integrity.”
Mullock is one of four Democrats seeking the nomination in the Republican-leaning 2nd district, where Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) is favored for re-election. And Mazzeo’s endorsement puts him at odds with much of the remaining party establishment in Atlantic County; the Atlantic Democratic organization is supporting Tim Alexander, while some other Atlantic Democrats have instead gotten behind Bayly Winder.
In the 3rd congressional district’s GOP primary, meanwhile, former State Sen. Ed Durr (R-Logan) has endorsed Justin Barbera. Durr’s old constituency doesn’t overlap with the 3rd district at all, but he’s become a somewhat prominent figure among state conservatives thanks to his Senate tenure and subsequent gubernatorial campaign.
Barbera, himself a former gubernatorial candidate, faces Jason Cullen and Michael McGuire for the right to challenge Rep. Herb Conaway (D-Delran); Cullen and McGuire each have some local party endorsements, while Barbera is seen as more of an underdog. No matter who wins, Conaway is likely to defeat them in November.
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February 19, 2019 -
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