Overview

Jefferson Van Drew was born in New York City in 1953 and raised in South Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He practiced dentistry in South Jersey for over three decades.

Van Drew entered local politics by serving on the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1994 to 1995, and again from 1997 to 2003. He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2002, representing the 1st Legislative District. He moved to the State Senate in 2008, serving until 2018.

In 2018, Van Drew ran for Congress as a Democrat to succeed retiring Republican Frank LoBiondo in New Jersey’s 2nd District. He won the election, taking office in January 2019.

In December 2019, during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, Van Drew announced his opposition to the impeachment articles and his decision to leave the Democratic Party and join the Republican Party. He formally switched parties in December 2019. He was re-elected as a Republican in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Political Career

Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders (1994–1995, 1997–2003)

New Jersey General Assembly, District 1 (2002–2008)

New Jersey Senate, District 1 (2008–2018)

U.S. Representative, NJ-02 (2019–present)

Key Policy Areas

Veterans affairs and military support

Offshore drilling opposition and environmental protection for coastal districts

Small business and economic development

Gun rights and Second Amendment issues

Healthcare access for rural communities

Immigration enforcement and border security

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Voted against the first impeachment of Donald Trump as a Democrat then joined Republican Party

Secured federal funding for South Jersey shore protection and coastal resiliency projects

Served on House Committee on Agriculture supporting farming interests in South Jersey

Advocated for veterans clinic expansion in Cape May County

Education

Bachelor of Science, Rutgers University

Doctor of Dental Medicine, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Personal

Birth date: February 23, 1953

Residence: Dennis Township, Cape May County, New Jersey

Occupation: Dentist (retired)