2nd district Republicans have solid $200k on-hand for competitive re-election bids

The incumbent Republican slate in the 2nd legislative district has $206,956 in cash on-hand as of the end of 2022, positioning them for what will likely be a highly contested general election in the Atlantic County-based district.

A little over half of that total comes from a joint fundraising committee, while State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor) has $53,378; Assemblyman Don Guardian (R-Atlantic City) has $20,433, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Margate) has $16,763.

The 2nd district, which covers Atlantic City and its surrounding towns, is traditionally one of the state’s most competitive districts. 2021 was no exception; Polistina and his running mates beat three strong Democratic candidates after Democratic-aligned independent groups spent millions.

Two of those Democrats – former Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Northfield), who ran for Senate, and County Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick, who ran for Assembly – are possible candidates this year, though no Democrat has announced or filed a campaign yet.

That in theory gives 2nd district Republicans more time to build up a warchest before Democrats can start raising money of their own. But South Jersey Democrats in competitive races rarely lack for money, so the headstart Polistina, Guardian, and Swift have for now may not last long.