Jeff Van Drew

Jeff Van Drew – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and political journey of Jeff Van Drew, born February 23, 1953 — from dentist to long-time New Jersey politician, his party switch, positions on key issues, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Jefferson “Jeff” H. Van Drew (born February 23, 1953) is an American politician who currently serves as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district. Over his political career, Van Drew has moved from local offices to state legislature, and eventually to Congress. Notably, he was elected as a Democrat in 2018 but formally switched parties in 2020, aligning with Republicans. His journey reflects both the complexities of contemporary U.S. politics and the tensions of party loyalty, ideology, and constituent pressures.

In this article, we trace his early life, professional background, political trajectory, major turning points, ideology, and legacy—along with some of his own words.

Early Life and Family

Jeff Van Drew was born in New York City on February 23, 1953. He later relocated (or spent much of his life) in New Jersey, where he built his political and professional roots.

He is married to Ricarda Van Drew, and they have two children. Van Drew identifies as a Roman Catholic. He is also a Freemason, associated with Cannon Lodge No. 104 in South Seaville, New Jersey.

Throughout his life, Van Drew has often remained connected with the communities of Southern New Jersey (Cape May County, among others) and positions himself as an advocate for local issues, veterans, seniors, and consumers.

Education and Professional Background

Before entering politics full time, Van Drew pursued a medical-professional path:

• Undergraduate: He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Rutgers University.

• Dental Degree: He obtained a D.M.D. (or D.D.S.) from Fairleigh Dickinson University’s dental school.

• Practice: For about 30 years, Van Drew operated a dental practice in Southern New Jersey before gradually shifting full time toward politics.

His background as a healthcare professional gave him an alternate identity beyond politics, and can help explain his engagement with health and community service themes in his public life.

Political Career

Local & County Offices

Van Drew first entered public life in local government:

• He served as a Dennis Township Committee member beginning in 1991, and later as mayor of Dennis Township in two separate periods (1994–95 and 1997–2003).

• He was a member of the Cape May County Board of Freeholders (the county legislature in New Jersey) in multiple stints: 1994–1997 and 2000–2002.

• He also held a role as a fire commissioner in Dennis Township in the 1980s.

These roles grounded him in local governance, constituent relationships, and regional politics.

State Legislature: Assembly & Senate

• In 2002, Van Drew was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 1st Legislative District.

• He served in the Assembly until 2008.

• In 2008, he transitioned to the New Jersey State Senate for the same 1st District, where he served until January 2019.

• During his time in the State Senate, he chaired or served on a variety of committees (Community & Urban Affairs, Military & Veterans Affairs, etc.).

This long tenure in the state legislature established him as a senior regional leader and a fixture in New Jersey politics.

U.S. House of Representatives

• In 2018, Van Drew ran for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd District. The seat was open because incumbent Republican Frank LoBiondo retired.

• He won the Democratic primary and then the general election (winning ~ 52.9% of the vote) against Republican Seth Grossman.

• Van Drew first took office as a Democrat in January 2019.

• Notably, in late 2019 amidst the impeachment proceedings against President Trump, Van Drew opposed the impeachment and was one of only two Democrats to vote “no” (or otherwise against advancing the inquiry).

• Shortly thereafter (December 2019 / January 2020), Van Drew switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

• As a Republican, he ran for re-election in 2020 (defeating Amy Kennedy) and subsequent terms.

• In 2025, Van Drew launched his fourth term in Congress.

In Congress, Van Drew has served on committees including Judiciary and Transportation & Infrastructure.

Political Positions, Ideology & Controversies

Van Drew’s political identity is somewhat fluid, shaped by his party switch and regional pragmatism. Below are key stances, evolution, and controversies:

Party Switch & Impeachment

The defining pivot in his career was his move from Democrat to Republican. He cited opposition to the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump and a belief that his district would not support that direction. His switch drew both criticism and support, including the resignation of some of his staff who opposed the decision.

Van Drew’s justification included statements like:

“My decision to leave the Democrat Party was one that was not entered into lightly … the Democrat Party has changed.”
“I have never been driven by partisan politics, only a desire to better the lives of my constituents.”

The switch reoriented his voting alignment; in later years, his voting record more closely matched Republicans' positions.

Policy Stances & Key Votes

Some notable areas where Van Drew has taken public positions or cast significant votes:

• Health care & COVID-19: He supported some relief packages, emphasized the need for bipartisan health solutions, and opposed government overreach in mandates.

• Agriculture & Environment: He has opposed certain federal preemptions of state/local agricultural laws, and opposed offshore wind initiatives citing environmental and local concerns.

• Foreign policy & Defense: His voting record shows caution on certain foreign aid bills (e.g. Supplemental Ukraine appropriations).

• LGBTQ / Social issues: His past record includes socially conservative stances (e.g. in state legislature voting against same-sex marriage). More recently, in Congress, he has co-sponsored legislation such as the “Fairness for All Act” as an alternative to the Equality Act.

• Abortion / Reproductive rights: Earlier, as a Democrat, he had expressed support for Roe v. Wade, but later more conservative and “pro-life” alignments have been reported as he moved toward Republican positions.

• Fiscal / Budget / Infrastructure: He has broken with Republicans on certain issues—e.g. in November 2021, Van Drew was among Republicans who voted with Democrats in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

• Election certification (2020): Van Drew objected to the certification of the 2020 presidential election, aligning with some Republicans in questioning results, which has been controversial.

Overall, Van Drew can be described as a conservative/moderate Republican in current alignment, but with a political history that includes more moderate or even left-leaning votes under his earlier Democratic affiliation.

Criticism & Controversy

• His party switch was deeply polarizing; some critics argue he betrayed voter trust or opportunistically realigned for political gains.

• Staff turnover followed his switch, as some aides publicly resigned, citing disagreement with the change.

• His vote to object to 2020 election certification drew both national scrutiny and constituent backlash.

• Some analysts point out that his voting patterns shifted post-switch to align more consistently with Republican leadership.

These controversies illustrate the risks inherent in high-profile party realignment in U.S. politics.

Personality, Traits & Public Persona

Jeff Van Drew projects a pragmatic, constituent-first image. He frequently emphasizes that his guiding principle is service—not party loyalty.

He often frames his ideological shifts or stances as responses to evolving national and local contexts, rather than rigid partisanship. For example, he has said:

“Our job is not to be a ‘good Democrat’ or a ‘good Republican’; it is to be a good American.”

Van Drew also emphasizes perseverance and local roots in his public messaging, speaking of being “a lifelong advocate for South Jersey.”

While he is not known as a fiery oratory figure compared to some national legislators, his strength lies in adaptability, political survival, and balancing diverse constituencies in a swing district.

Notable Quotes

Here are several quotations that reflect Jeff Van Drew’s political philosophy or attitudes (with attribution where available):

• “I have never been driven by partisan politics, only a desire to better the lives of my constituents.”

• “Our job is not to be a ‘good Democrat’ or a ‘good Republican’; it is to be a good American, and I really believe that.”

• “My decision to leave the Democrat Party was one that was not entered into lightly … the Democrat Party has changed.”

• From BrainyQuote: “Every ounce of resources in our state should be focused on defeating the hidden enemy we all have in common: COVID-19.”

• “The status quo on prescription drug prices is deeply broken and unsustainable.”

These statements underscore his desire to frame himself as issue-oriented and less ideologically driven.

Lessons & Takeaways

1. Political identity is not always fixed
   Van Drew’s career reminds us that, in American politics, party affiliation can shift under pressure, and that political survival may necessitate realignments.

2. Constituents often matter more than labels
   His emphasis on local advocacy, constituent service, and regional identity (South Jersey) has been a constant even amid party shifts.

3. Flexibility & pragmatism can be double-edged
   While adaptability can allow political longevity, such moves can also open one up to criticism of opportunism.

4. The importance of communication and narrative
   Framing a controversial choice (like a party switch) as one of principle rather than convenience helps in seeking legitimacy and reconciling with voters.

5. Balancing national and local pressures
   Serving in a swing district, Van Drew must juggle national party expectations, ideological alignment, and local demands—a tension many U.S. lawmakers face.

Conclusion

Jeff Van Drew’s life and career embody the complexity of modern American politics. From a dentist in Southern New Jersey to a state legislator and then a U.S. Congressman, his evolution reflects both personal beliefs and electoral dynamics. His most defining moment—the shift from Democrat to Republican—remains controversial and consequential. Yet through it all, Van Drew presents himself as someone focused on service, constituents, and adaptation to changing political currents.

For those studying American politics, his path offers a case study in ideological flexibility, the power of narrative, and the tension between principle and politics. If you’d like a deeper dive into specific votes, speeches, or comparisons with other party-switchers, I’d be happy to prepare that next.