Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2)

Biography

Jeff Van Drew is a Republican U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district, serving since 2019. Born February 23, 1953, in New York City, he resides in Dennis Township, New Jersey, with his wife Ricarda, two children, two grandchildren, and two German shepherds. A retired dentist, he owned a practice in South Jersey for over 30 years. Notable achievements include switching from Democrat to Republican in December 2019 after opposing Donald Trump's first impeachment—making history as the first congressman to leave the majority party for the minority—and defeating Amy Kennedy in 2020, receiving more votes than any prior candidate in his district. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, advocating for veterans, seniors, consumers, children, Second Amendment rights, and opposition to vaccine mandates and certain spending bills. Reelected to his fourth term in November 2024, sworn in January 2025.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. from Rutgers University ; D.M.D. from Fairleigh Dickinson University Dental School ; dental residency at Lyons Veteran Hospital .
• Political Experience:
  • Fire Commissioner, Dennis Township .
  • Cape May County Freeholder .
  • Mayor, Dennis Township .
  • New Jersey General Assembly, 1st District .
  • New Jersey State Senate, 1st District .
  • U.S. House, NJ-2 .