Politics
Norcross apologizes after Hitler comparison of Van Drew at South Jersey rally
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross said he went too far after mocking fellow New Jersey lawmaker Jeff Van Drew and comparing his hairstyle to Adolf Hitler’s at a Gloucester County get-out-the-vote event. Van Drew said he accepted the apology and hoped Norcross had learned from the episode.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross apologized to Republican colleague Jeff Van Drew after comparing Van Drew’s hairstyle to Adolf Hitler’s during a Democratic rally Saturday in Westville, an outburst that injected a personal clash into the final stretch of South Jersey’s midterm campaigns.
Norcross, a Democrat whose district includes Camden County and parts of Gloucester and Burlington counties, made the remarks before roughly 200 supporters at the Deptford Eventure Center. He had dropped to his knees while mimicking Van Drew’s pledge of support for President Donald Trump, then criticized the lawmaker’s hair and clothing.
“If it was darker, that’s Hitler’s haircut,” Norcross said, before suggesting Van Drew’s former pocket handkerchiefs resembled Ku Klux Klan hats.
After being asked about the comments, Norcross called Van Drew to apologize. Through a spokesperson, he said he had not intended any broader implications and had “went too far.”
Van Drew said he was “profoundly disappointed” and described the remarks as “rough and inappropriate for a congressman.” He accepted the apology and said it was time to move on, adding that he hoped Norcross had learned a lesson.
The rally, held 10 days before the midterm elections, featured U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock, the Democrat challenging Van Drew. Norcross faces a separate, long-shot challenge from Republican Damon Galdo.
Van Drew was elected to Congress as a Democrat in 2018, then switched parties the following year and pledged his support to Trump. He represents a neighboring South Jersey district that stretches from parts of Gloucester County to Cape May. The contest has drawn heightened national attention as Democrats look to gain seats.
Norcross also criticized Van Drew’s conservative record, including opposition to raising New Jersey’s minimum wage when the two served in the state Legislature. Mullock focused on Van Drew’s vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included cuts to federal health care programs.
Booker urged supporters to back Mullock, saying his election would help Democrats take control of the House. Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock did not comment on Norcross’ remarks Saturday.
The episode stood out amid the campaign’s policy arguments, illustrating how personal attacks can shape the closing days of a closely watched congressional race. Van Drew said Norcross had “got caught up in the moment.”