NJ-02, NJ-04: N.J. Democrats thinking about a Van Drew vs. Smith primary under a new map

If New Jersey moves forward on drawing new congressional districts for the 2028 election, Democrats are talking about creating a solidly Republican seat that would force Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) and Christopher Smith (R-Manchester) into a primary fight and then creating a new Democratic district somewhere else in the state.

“Anything is on the table, including that,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “If we’re going to do this, that has got to be a possibility.”

Three other influential Democrats, both speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions are underway about drawing a district that would put Smith and Van Drew together.

Joining Van Drew’s home in Cape May County and Smith’s home in Ocean County into one district is complicated, since it would have to include the coastal parts of Atlantic County as a connector. Municipalities can be split in congressional redistricting, so such a map is doable, but it would likely be less clean and compact than a map that keeps Smith’s seat as a Republican vote-sink and shifts Van Drew into a new Democratic-leaning district.



https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/n-j-democrats-thinking-about-a-van-drew-vs-smith-primary-under-a-new-map/