Van Drew re-elected in win against Salerno

In a race lacking much drama, Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew cruised to a decisive Election Night victory over Democratic challenger Joseph Salerno to capture his fourth term in the 2nd Congressional District.

Unofficial results showed Van Drew holding an overwhelming lead, 58.4 percent to 40.9 percent. With 86 percent of the vote counted, Van Drew had 199,236 votes compared to 139,520 for Salerno, according to results compiled by nj.com.

In another key race, Republican incumbent Leonard Desiderio was unopposed in winning his eighth term on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, the board that oversees county government. 

Van Drew declared victory shortly after 9:30 p.m. He was greeted by cheers and applause from supporters filling the Oar House Pub in Sea Isle City. The theme song from “Rocky” blared over the loudspeakers as he entered the room.

“In the old days, they used to call that, and I seldom talk about anything good about myself, but I’ve got to do this once, it’s called a landslide,” Van Drew said of his big win.

Originally elected to Congress in 2018 as a Democrat, Van Drew, 71, switched to the Republican Party in 2019 and closely aligned himself with former President Donald Trump. As both a Democrat and now as a Republican, he has had little trouble beating his opponents in his four congressional races.

In his victory speech, Van Drew spoke of the greatness of the United States and expressed his hope that Republicans and moderate Democrats could overcome their “stark differences” to heal the country.

“This country is worth it. It is the greatest nation that ever existed on the face of the earth. It is time for us to come together – for Republicans, and I say this carefully, moderate Democrats, and independents to come together to pave new pathways to greatness and glory. To truly be that shining city on the hill,” he said.

    Democrat Joe Salerno speaks to his supporters at the Sperlak Gallery in Cape May Court House.
  

Salerno, 62, an engineer and businessman from Lower Township, emerged as the surprise winner in the Democratic primary in June, defeating Tim Alexander for the party’s nomination. Alexander was the Democratic candidate in the 2022 election, losing to Van Drew by a nearly 20 percent margin.

Early in the night, Salerno made a statement on the success of his campaign, regardless of the turnout. He cited an idea from a speech given by Robert F. Kennedy Sr. over 60 years ago. 

“Tonight, I want us to feel good about our efforts,” Salerno said to his supporters. “Each time an individual makes an effort and stands against injustice, it sends out a tiny ripple. When those hopeful ripples coming from every direction are combined, we will ultimately create a great wave that will top the walls of division and injustice.” 

When Van Drew’s re-election was announced around 10:30 p.m., a somber wave of disappointment filled the room among Salerno’s supporters at the Sperlak Gallery in Cape May Court House. However, Salerno’s supporters seemed unanimously proud of their efforts. 

Marie Bristan, chairwoman of the Cape May County Democratic Committee, said that the party is grateful for Salerno’s hard work and persistence with the campaign, regardless of the turnout.  

“We are very proud of Joe Salerno,” Blistan said. “He is one of the top-notch, best candidates that I have ever seen in my career in politics.” 

Bristan said because Salerno doesn’t have a strong partisan rhetoric, he would have won through gaining unaffiliated voters if they had more time with their campaign. 

“We knew that in this demographic that we were going to have to get to unaffiliated voters, and I think we just didn't have enough time to fully put him in front of the unaffiliated,” Blistan said. “Joe is not a partisan politician. Joe is a common-sense everyday guy, just like you and me.” 

    Van Drew expresses his thanks to his South Jersey supporters in this sign.
  

The 2nd Congressional District is the largest congressional district, geographically speaking, in New Jersey. It encompasses a vast swath of territory in the southern part of the state – six counties and 93 towns.

Trending increasing conservative in the Republicans’ favor, the district includes the Jersey Shore towns, the Delaware Bay and some of the state’s most rural communities. Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties make up the core areas, with parts of Gloucester and Ocean counties also included in the district.

As he has done in the past, Van Drew was able to tap his heavily Republican Cape May County base to propel him to victory. He also scored big in heavily Republican Ocean County.

James Bennett, owner of the Oar House Pub, noted that Van Drew put in a strong performance throughout the district to lock up the victory.

“He’s unbeatable. He’s Superman,” Bennett exclaimed while introducing Van Drew.

Meanwhile, Desiderio had nothing to worry about while running unopposed for another three-year term on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners. He was first elected to the board in 2002, when it was still known as the Board of Chosen Freeholders. He leads the board as its director.

He has also served as Sea Isle City’s mayor since 1993 and is one of the few lawmakers in New Jersey to hold two elected offices at the same time.

The election, though, was not a complete sweep for Cape May County Republicans. Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, a Cape May hotelier making his first attempt as elected office, was soundly defeated by Democratic Congressman Andy Kim in the state’s U.S. Senate race. The Associated Press called the Senate race for Kim shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m.

Kim, of Bordentown, Burlington County, has served in the 3rd Congressional District since 2019. With his win, he will become the first Asian-American to represent New Jersey in the Senate and the first candidate from South Jersey since 1955.

    Clarence Smith prepares to cast his vote at the polling place in the Sea Isle City Library.