Pallone Demands Refund From Van Drew, Vows To Elect Democrat

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Not even one hour after Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced he will be leaving the Democratic party to become a Republican, one of New Jersey's most outspoken Democratic congressmen, Frank Pallone, said he will now be working hard to elect a Democrat in Van Drew's South Jersey district.

"Congressman Van Drew is joining a Republican Party led by President Trump that kowtows to special interests, gives the wealthy big tax breaks, and denies climate change," said Pallone late Thursday afternoon. "It’s unfortunate he has chosen to climb a career ladder that’s doomed to collapse instead of working with Democrats to pass legislation to lower healthcare costs, combat the climate crisis and stand up for all Americans. In 2020, we will be working hard to elect a Democrat in NJ-2."

Pallone is a Democrat who has represented New Jersey's Sixth Congressional district since 1998. "NJ 6" stretches from Carteret and Woodbridge into Edison, New Brunswick and down to Asbury Park. It hugs the Bayshore coastline, including towns such as Aberdeen, Matawan, Hazlet, Sea Bright and West Long Branch. Pallone also represents Marlboro Township and part of Middletown.

Keep reading: President Trump Announces Jeff Van Drew's Move To GOP

Pallone voted to impeach Trump on Wednesday, and has been a harsh Trump critic. Van Drew and New Jersey's only other Republican congressman, Rep. Chris Smith, voted against impeachment.

Also, as first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pallone also said he will be seeking a refund for the $10,000 Pallone's political action committee gave Van Drew earlier this year.