Here's Who's Challenging Van Drew In 2nd Congressional District

NEW JERSEY — Rep. Jeff Van Drew is seeking reelection in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. However, he is being challenged by two other Republicans vying for the spot in the primary.

Monday was the deadline to submit candidacy petitions for the June 8 primary elections for Republicans and Democrats.

Van Drew submitted 728 signatures and faces two challengers, according to the Division of Elections. Van Drew, recently endorsed by Donald Trump ahead of the midterms, swapped parties in 2019, leaving the Democratic Party to become a Republican.

He has been a consistent supporter of the former president, backing Trump on a number of issues. For example, Van Drew objected to Joe Biden's Electoral College win and was the only Democrat to oppose Trump's impeachment.

Here are Van Drew's Republican challengers:

John Barker, of Bayville, submitted 243 signatures. He is running under the slogan of "We, The People." He is a U.S. Army veteran.

Sean Pignatelli, of Fortescue, submitted 284 signatures. He is running under the slogan "Protecting Our Veterans."

There are two people running in the Democratic primary. They are as follows:

Tim C. Alexander, of Oceanville, submitted 338 signatures. He is a retired law enforcement officer.

Carolyn Rush, of Sea Isle City, submitted 323 signatures.

The 2nd District election will include the towns under the redrawn districts that take effect in 2023, following the redistricting resulting from the 2020 Census. See the new map here.

The 2nd District will contain all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties. It will also contain from Gloucester County: Logan, Swedesboro, Woolwich, Harrison, South Harrison, Elk, Clayton, Franklin, Newfield and part of East Greenwich. And from Ocean County: Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, Beach Haven, Long Beach, Eagleswood, Ship Bottom, Stafford, Surf City, Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Ocean Township (Waretown) and parts of Berkeley and Lacey.