TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey’s incumbent U.S. representatives had a winning night in New Jersey, including Rep. Donald Norcross who fended off a political newcomer in southern New Jersey’s 1st District.
Norcross, whose brother George Norcross is among the most powerful political figures in New Jersey, loaned his own campaign cash against the challenge from 25-year-old former IBM consultant Alex Law.
All seven of the state’s 12 congressional district incumbents that faced a challenge were victorious. Three other races were also contested.
Norcross loaned his campaign about $235,000 and spent money on broadcast television ads to defeat Law, even though experts expected Norcross to win. Norcross’ camp says it had a duty to run a tough race. In a statement he thanked his staff and called the victory a “landslide.”
“It is truly overwhelming. I’m humbled by the support not only in this room, but around the district,” Norcross said at a victory party. “This is the American dream.”
Norcross had the party’s support, including a recent endorsement from President Barack Obama, but the contest had gotten personal, with both candidates using family members to attack each other.
He will face Republican Bob Patterson, who was unopposed, on Nov. 8.
Law thanked his voters in a Facebook post and said turnout was higher than he expected, though it wasn’t enough to win.
“We only came this far because of all of you and for that I will forever be grateful,” Law said.
There are no Senate contests or state-level races this year in New Jersey.
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INCUMBENTS
Aside from Norcross, Democratic Reps. Albio Sires and Bonnie Watson Coleman defeated challengers. Sires defeated school teacher Eloy Delgado, of Elizabeth. Watson Coleman defeated Alexander Kucsma, a self-described Democratic tea party candidate.
On the Republican side, incumbent Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Scott Garrett, Leonard Lance and Chris Smith beat their opponents. Garrett defeated challengers Michael Cino and Peter Vallorosi. Frelinghuysen defeated Rick Van Glahn, of Denville.
Lance defeated David Larsen, of Oldwick, and Craig Heard, of Succasunna. Smith has represented the 4th District since 1981 and beat Bruce MacDonald, of Yardville, who ran under a slogan of “Work. Citizen. Taxpayer. Choice. Gun. Execution.”
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OTHER RACES
In the most closely watched race beyond the incumbents, Democrat Frederick John “Fred” LaVergne defeated Jim Keady in the Burlington and Ocean County-based 3rd District. He will take on Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur in the general election.
“This came down to math,” LaVergne said. “We know what we need to do in November against Mr. MacArthur.”
LaVergne is a former insurance and mortgage broker who previously ran in the district but lost. Keady is the Waretown tavern owner whom Gov. Chris Christie told to “sit down and shut up” at an event marking the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy in 2014.
Keady said LaVergne, having the support of the Burlington County Democratic, was too much to overcome.
“We ran the good race. We fought the good fight,” he said.
In southern New Jersey’s 2nd District, software engineer David Cole, of Sewell, defeated self-described socialist Costantino Rozzo and will take on incumbent Rep. Frank LoBiondo in November. In the 11th District attorney Joseph Wenzel defeated Lee Anne Brogowski, of Mount Tabor, and Richard McFarlane, of Haskell. He will take on Frelinghuysen in the general election.
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