NJ-02: Dem group polling in NJ-2 as party looks to expand playing field
In the last two election cycles, New Jersey’s once-competitive 2nd congressional district in the southern reaches of the state has been entirely ignored by both parties, allowing Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) to win with ease. Heading into 2026, one Democratic group is looking to change that.
The Voter Protection Project, a Democratic-aligned national PAC, commissioned a Public Policy Polling poll of the 2nd district last week to show that, in the polling memo’s words, “Rep. Van Drew’s ‘Safe’ Seat May Be Flippable in 2026.” The poll itself contains mixed news for Democrats, but it’s still noteworthy that, as most people focus on two more obviously competitive New Jersey seats to the north, some national Democrats still see the 2nd district as worthy of attention.
When asked who they’d vote for between Van Drew and an unnamed Democratic candidate, 46% of the poll’s 505 respondents said Van Drew, 36% said a Democrat, and 18% were unsure. (Poll respondents often find it easier to opt for an unnamed generic candidate than for a specific nominee with specific flaws, though a strong Democratic recruit in the district could in theory outperform that baseline.)
The poll also previews what’s likely to become a major Democratic talking point against Van Drew and other Republicans: Medicaid cuts. Van Drew had vocally advocated against sweeping cuts to the popular health care program, but a bill that passed the House last week with his support would likely result in a large number of New Jerseyans losing health coverage.
https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/dem-group-polling-in-nj-2-as-party-looks-to-expand-playing-field/
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