The city of Trenton, located in New Jersey, is making headlines once again.
A Republican candidate has entered New Jersey’s U.S. Senate race to challenge Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who is currently facing federal corruption charges. The candidate is a former TV news reporter known for his assertive on-camera demeanor.
Alex Zdan, a former news reporter for News 12 New Jersey, has officially declared his candidacy on Friday. In a compelling online video, Zdan is seen at the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona, where he passionately advocates for putting an end to illegal border crossings. This has become a prominent campaign theme for Republican candidates across the country. The video showcases the existing gaps in the border fence, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Zdan is now part of a growing group of GOP candidates, which includes Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner and southern New Jersey businessman Curtis Bashaw. It’s worth noting that New Jersey hasn’t elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972. However, with the current turmoil surrounding Menendez, Republicans see this as a potential opportunity to gain ground in the closely divided chamber.
The Democratic primary is still undecided, as Menendez has not made a decision about running for reelection. Despite pleading not guilty to federal charges of accepting bribes in exchange for assisting foreign countries, he remains determined to fight the charges. However, several fellow Democrats have distanced themselves from him, with some even calling for his resignation.
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim are currently engaged in a prominent competition, capturing the attention of many. It’s worth noting that civil rights activists Lawrence Hamm and labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina have also joined the race alongside other Democrats.
Zdan made the decision to leave TV journalism after he was laid off during cutbacks at News 12 in late 2020. He gained notoriety for his confrontations with Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy during the governor’s COVID-19 news conferences, where he fearlessly posed challenging questions. In 2020, he grabbed headlines when he firmly told a Trump supporter, who interrupted one of his news reports, to “buzz off.”
During a phone interview, Zdan expressed his belief that it is imperative for a fresh wave of conservative leaders to emerge, with a specific emphasis on appealing to working class and multicultural voters. He made the decision to transition from journalism to politics due to his perception of reporting as a form of public service.
“I believe that if you are familiar with who I am, my passion, my skills, and my commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives, it becomes clear why transitioning from being an anchor to serving on the floor of Congress is a natural step,” he confidently stated.
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