Passaic County Democrat Exploring Run Against Garrett

Passaic County Freeholder Director Terry Duffy is forming an exploratory committee to weigh a possible congressional run against Republican Rep. Scott Garrett in the newly drawn 5th District, politickernj.com reported Wednesday night.

The 5th District  after the township was split by redistricting. Garrett is a conservative and the district is expected to favor a Republican candidate.

Duffy, a Democrat from West Milford, issued a statement saying he would meet with residents and elected officials over the next 30 days.

“Since my first election as a Passaic County Freeholder, my priority has always been to fight for the issues affecting middle class families,” Duffy said in the statement posted on politickernj.com. “I think the 5th District needs a representative who is willing to work across the aisle – like I’ve done my entire career – to do what is best for our residents. Not a representative adhering to a rigid extremist ideology that often works against the vast majority of 5th District residents.”

Garrett could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. 

Duffy’s announcement came after Rep. Steve Rothman said he would run against fellow Democrat Bill Pascrell Jr. for the redrawn 9th District.