NJ 2nd District Election Results: Kennedy, Van Drew Win

Amy Kennedy is the projected winner of the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. She is set to face Congressman Jeff Van Drew in the Nov. 3 elections.

Kennedy's campaign declared victory Tuesday night at a gathering where Governor Phil Murphy introduced her.

"People in South Jersey are ready for change," Kennedy said. "We’re ready for better-paying jobs, protection for our workers and access to affordable health care. We’re ready for a community where children born anywhere in the district have the same chance of success, and where all people, regardless of the color of their skin, have equal access to opportunity and justice."

Van Drew's campaign declared victory Tuesday night as the Associated Press projected his victory.

“Tonight’s results make it crystal clear that Congressman Van Drew’s home has always been right here in the Republican Party,” Ron Filan, Van Drew's campaign manager, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to South Jersey voters getting to see the stark contrast between Congressman Van Drew’s fight for 'A Strong America' and the Democrats' radical push for the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and Defunding the Police.”

Kennedy believes everyone should have "access to high-quality, affordable health care." Callahan Harrison has expressed support for the Green New Deal, a proposed legislative package aimed at addressing climate change and economic inequality. Neither Kennedy nor Callahan Harrison has endorsed defunding police.

Results are courtesy The Associated Press:

2nd Congressional District Democratic Primary:

(254 of 523 precincts reporting)

• Brigid Callahan Harrison: 7,983
• Will Cunningham: 3,648
• Robert D. Turkavage: 569
• Amy Kennedy: 18,583
• John Francis: 556

2nd Congressional District Republican Primary:

(283 of 523 precincts reporting)

• Robert W. Patterson: 5,204
• Jeff Van Drew: 22,094

Democrats promised an all-out battle against Van Drew after he joined the Republican Party. Van Drew departed from the Democratic Party after refusing to back President Donald Trump's impeachment and then pledging his "undying support" for the president.

Callahan Harrison, a Montclair State University political science professor, lined up support from six county chairs and State Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

Then Kennedy, wife of former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, joined the race. She is the education director of The Kennedy Forum.

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