Chris Smith Endorses Fellow Republican Van Drew For Re-Election

On Tuesday, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ4) joined President Donald Trump in endorsing fellow Congressman Jeff Van Drew for re-election to the United States House of Representatives.

In December, South Jersey Congressman Van Drew famously left the Democratic party over the impeachment of the president, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He became a Republican.

Prior to Van Drew's switch, Smith was the only Republican Congressperson left in New Jersey, so his welcoming of Van Drew is not surprising.

“I have known Jeff Van Drew long before either of us ever dreamed of running for public office and he has always been a tough, conservative, issue-oriented leader,” said Smith in a statement on Wednesday. "I am proud to welcome Congressman Van Drew to the Republican Party and join President Trump in endorsing his re-election to the United States House of Representatives."

Like Van Drew, Smith also voted against impeaching Trump.

"Disagreement with or intense dislike for this or any other president of the United States is not now — nor should it ever be — grounds for impeachment," said Smith at the time. "Despite hearings and a process that was egregiously flawed and unfair, there (was) still no direct evidence whatsoever of any crime."

By contrast, when Van Drew switched parties, Democratic congressman to the north Frank Pallone asked for a refund of the $10,000 his political action committee gave Van Drew earlier in 2019. Pallone represents Hazlet, Aberdeen, Marlboro Twp. and other towns.

Smith represents parts of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties in Washington. He is the Republican congressman for the fourth congressional district, which covers nearly all of Monmouth County, including towns such as Holmdel, part of Middletown, Colts Neck, Rumson, Manalapan, Freehold, Red Bank and Wall Township. The fourth district also reaches into Jackson and Lakewood in Ocean County and Hamilton and Robbinsville in Mercer County, as well as other towns.

The fourth district has voted for a Republican in the past four presidential elections by comfortable margins: Trump, Romney, McCain and Bush.

Smith and Van Drew have worked together on legislation in the past.

In 2019, Smith worked with Van Drew on passing legislation that helped veterans and on a bill that strengthened animal cruelty laws.

Van Drew was a co-sponsor of Smith’s Accelerating Veterans Outdoor Recovery Act, (H.R. 2435) to help veterans heal through recreational therapies. They both co-sponsored and worked together to pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act (H.R. 299); to permanently authorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (H.R. 1327); and to strengthen animal cruelty laws (H.R. 724). Trump signed both bills into law in 2019.

Smith, 66, has represented New Jersey's fourth congressional district since 1981, leading his challengers — of which there are many — to criticize him for monopolizing the seat for too long.

But this week, Van Drew praised him as "the dean of New Jersey's House delegation."

“I am honored to have the endorsement of my longtime friend Congressman Chris Smith," said Van Drew. “He works hard for his constituents and our state, and is an effective law maker."

Keep reading: Rep. Jeff Van Drew Votes No On Trump Impeachment Inquiry Oct. 31, 2019

Trump Thanks Jeff Van Drew For Opposing Impeachment Inquiry

Rep. Chris Smith: Why I Voted Against Impeachment (Dec. 19, 2019)

NJ Congressman Reportedly Switching From Democrat To Republican (Dec. 14, 2019)