Politics
South Jersey candidates trade blame on costs and Iran at Stockton debate
Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock clashed over affordability, energy policy and the war in Iran during a sometimes-contentious debate in Galloway Township. The contest pits the Republican incumbent against a Democratic challenger seeking to flip New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Zack Mullock, his Democratic challenger for New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, traded sharp accusations Thursday during a debate at Stockton University, with moderators stepping in several times to keep the discussion moving.
The candidates addressed affordability, gas prices, immigration, data centers and the war in Iran. Economic pressures were a central point of contention, as each sought to connect South Jersey residents’ concerns to the other candidate’s policies.
Mullock, the mayor of Cape May, said farmers in Cumberland and Salem counties were struggling because of policies Van Drew had supported. Van Drew argued that energy supply affects fuel and utility costs, saying the country needs more refinery capacity and should rely less on the Middle East and other countries.
The candidates also disputed the consequences of the war in Iran. Van Drew defended his vote, saying he opposed abandoning U.S. troops and the region. Mullock challenged him to explain what the war had done for South Jersey residents.
In closing remarks, Van Drew warned that his opponent represented “Democrat socialists” who would change the country’s structure and substance. Mullock said he wanted to work across differences to help more people attain the American dream, and asked voters whether they were better off than two years ago.
Van Drew, a Republican, is seeking a fifth term in a district described as Republican-leaning. He won reelection by nearly 17 percentage points two years ago. Mullock, who holds a nonpartisan elected office as mayor, is courting moderate voters as he tries to unseat him.
New Jersey’s early-voting period opens Saturday, Oct. 24, ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3. The race will determine who represents the district in Congress as voters weigh household costs and national policy debates alike.