Van Drew Defeats Kennedy For 2nd District, AP Declares

SOUTH JERSEY — Congressman Jeff Van Drew won re-election in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District, the Associated Press declared Friday.

Van Drew has 158,000 votes, while Democratic challenger Amy Kennedy has 143,504 with 417 of 523 precincts reporting, according to the AP.

“I would like to thank President Trump as well as all of the Republican, Democrat, and Independent voters who stood with me and continued to place their trust in me to fight for them and all of South Jersey in Washington,” Van Drew said in a statement. “The United States of America is an exceptional nation and I will continue to work with anyone willing to put party aside to fight for a Strong America and a Strong South Jersey.”

Van Drew declared victory Tuesday night, but Kennedy didn't concede until Friday.

"I believe that South Jersey can build back better," Kennedy said in a statement. "I believe everyone here deserves better paying jobs, affordable health care, and a strong, diverse economy. I believe that South Jersey’s working families deserve the protections they need and the benefits they have earned. And, I believe children born anywhere in the district, regardless of the color of their skin, deserve equal access to opportunity and justice."

Ron Filan, Van Drew's campaign manager, told Patch on Thursday they had "no doubt" the congressman's advantage will hold.

"The Democrats came out to a big lead in terms of the earliest vote-by-mail returns," Filan said. "Over the course of the first 10 days to two weeks (of votes returning), that began to correct itself. And as Election Day got closer, the proportions were more in line with what you would expect to see." Read more: Gov. Murphy Urges Patience In Van Drew-Kennedy Race

Van Drew was first elected to Congress in 2018 as a Democrat. Republican Frank LoBiondo had represented the district from 1995 until his retirement in November 2017.

Van Drew switched parties last December and is one of two Republicans representing New Jersey in Congress. The congressman reiterated Friday that his relationship with President Donald Trump remains positive.

"Congressman Van Drew spoke to President Trump last night not only to express his thanks for everything he has done for South Jersey, but to personally offer any assistance he may need as votes continue to be counted across the river in Pennsylvania and around the country," his campaign's Facebook page said. "Our campaigns have worked hand in hand from day one and have continued to do so since Election Night."

Cape May County made the greatest difference for Van Drew so far in the vote tally. Van Drew has received 32,934 votes from the county, while Kennedy generated 20,784.

The Democratic Party holds a 211-194 advantage in the House of Representatives, with 30 seats still up for grabs, according to The New York Times. Democrats entered the election with 232 House seats, compared to 197 from Republicans.