Republicans to Jeff Van Drew: Not so fast

Republicans aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Jeff Van Drew.

The New Jersey Democratic congressman may have hoped his defection to the GOP would ease his path to reelection in a conservative-leaning district. His political prospects as a Democrat had been imperiled by his opposition to impeaching President Donald Trump, which outraged activists and party officials.

But before he even officially switches parties, Van Drew is facing firm opposition from multiple Republicans who were already running for the 2nd District nomination, as well as local GOP leaders and activists skeptical of his voting record and longstanding ties to the state’s Democratic machine. It all promises to make the South Jersey House race one of the most competitive and closely watched in the country.