New Jersey Senate president loses to GOP truck driver in shock upset
New Jersey's state Senate president just lost re-election in a shock upset to a Republican challenger who spent less than $200 on his campaign.
Edward Durr, a Raymour & Flanigan truck driver, defeated New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) in the state's 3rd Legislative District, The Associated Press projected Thursday. It was a stunning defeat for Sweeney, who has served as New Jersey Senate president for more than a decade. Durr, the AP reports, spent just $153.31 on his campaign — and the Washington Free Beacon writes "nearly half" of this "went to Dunkin' Donuts." He has no experience holding elected office.
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New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D) told The Associated Press Sweeney's loss was "stunning and shocking and I cannot figure it out." When his win appeared likely, Durr himself semeed surprised, too.
"I joked with people and I said, 'I'm going to shock the world, I'm going to beat this man,'" Durr told NJ.com. "I was saying it, but really kind of joking. Because what chance did a person like me really stand against this man? He's literally the second-most powerful person in the state of New Jersey."
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