Jeff Van Drew Sworn Into Congress As NJ-2's New Rep

Democrat Jeff Van Drew was officially sworn into Congress on Thursday, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district since 1995.

Van Drew was sworn into the seat held by Republican Frank LoBiondo for the last 14 years on Thursday. Van Drew voted against Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, but the way he did so confused those in attendance and drew some derision on social media.

Pelosi was re-elected as the Speaker of the House when Democrats took control of Congress on Thursday, Jan. 3. She was re-elected by a vote of 220-192, with 12 Democrats electing not to vote for her, according to the Huffington Post. Those Democrats either voted for someone else, or simply said “present.”

Not Van Drew. Instead, the new representative of New Jersey’s Second Congressional District said “no” when his name was called. The clerk later declared that Van Drew was present.

Van Drew said “they can officially change” his no vote to “present” to comply with House rules, according to The Press of Atlantic City.

Van Drew followed through with previous statements he made that if he were elected to Congress, he wouldn’t vote for Pelosi for speaker. Still, his declaration on Thursday drew some derision on social media.

In November, Van Drew defeated Republican Seth Grossman to win the seat previously occupied by Republican Frank LoBiondo for 14 years. Before being elected to Congress, Van Drew was the Democratic Senator representing the First Legislative District.

In Congress, he will represent a district that covers Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties, and parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties.

He has been known to break with his party on some key issues, including when it comes to gun control issues. To read about Van Drew’s positions on some key issues, click here.

Image previously provided by Jeff Van Drew’s campaign.