A Nov 5 race call in New Jersey's second congressional district, with precise reported margin and certification caveat.
Associated Press calls another House flip
Democrat Zack Mullock defeated four-term Republican U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District, the Associated Press called at 4:29 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Mullock, the mayor of Cape May, won a seat covering much of southern New Jersey that had been considered favourable to Republicans. The incumbent conceded the election earlier in the week. AP's call was based on incoming returns, not the state's final legal certification.
A closer contest than past elections suggested
Reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer showed Mullock with approximately 137,166 votes to Van Drew's 130,084 when 97% of votes had been tabulated. Those partial numbers gave Mullock a lead of about 7,000 votes. They may be adjusted as remaining ballots are counted. Van Drew had previously switched from the Democratic to Republican Party and became a supporter of President Donald Trump. Mullock emphasized national and local policy differences during the campaign.
One of many changing House districts
A single House seat affects the size of Democrats' new majority but does not change which party has already won control. Mullock will take office with the new Congress in January 2027 if the official state process confirms the result. Local issues around shore communities, economic activity and infrastructure will form part of his constituents' expectations. CDN News reports the call without asserting that all other New Jersey races have the same outcome.
Sources & transparency
Philadelphia Inquirer November 5 AP call for NJ 2Decision Desk HQ November 5 New Jersey House 2 returnsOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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