Joe.My.God. LGBT News
The Washington Post reports:
New Jersey’s longtime state Senate president, Democrat Steve Sweeney, lost reelection, falling to a Republican newcomer who spent less than $200 on the race and leaving his party reeling.
Edward Durr, a furniture company truck driver and first-time candidate, defeated Sweeney in New Jersey’s 3rd Legislative District, according to results tallied Thursday. Durr spent $153.31, according to Election Law Enforcement Commission documents.
Sweeney’s defeat was unexpected and threw his party’s legislative leadership contest into limbo on Wednesday, when he postponed a meeting set for Thursday. Sweeney had been expected to return as Senate president, but who’ll take over and what margin Democrats will have in the state Legislature is unclear.
Politico reports:
Durr’s grassroots win and regular guy appeal brought him to the attention of national conservative figures, who celebrated him on social media. “Hahaha no way,” tweeted Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw.
Durr holds some deeply conservative positions. He’s advocated for cutting income, corporate and other state taxes in order for “businesses to grow,” and for reducing property taxes. He has also said that “abortion is wrong and should be stopped,” pushing for legislation that would outlaw the procedure if a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Durr said he is an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment, declaring in a recent YouTube interview that difficulties getting a concealed carry permit motivated him to seek office. New Jersey has some of the most aggressive gun control laws in the nation.
Durr has never held political office. He doesn’t even have a campaign website.
New Jersey’s longtime state Senate president Steve Sweeney has lost reelection, falling to Republican Ed Durr, who spent less than $200 on the race, https://t.co/IpFxzjeUSv
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) November 4, 2021