As of Wednesday evening it looks like Edward Durr, a conservative truck driver, will make history in a huge political upset for New Jersey Democrats. Durr is expected to beat Senate President Steve Sweeney, the longest-serving legislative leader in New Jersey history.
Miraculously, Durr reportedly only spent $153 on his campaign primary. Durr admitted he was a no-name challenger saying, “I joked with people and I said ‘I’m going to shock the world, I’m going to beat this man,” said Durr on Wednesday as he took lead over Sweeney.
“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” said Durr.
In his campaign video, Durr stated of his opponent: “The Senate President has spent 20 years in Trenton…Higher taxes, increasing debt and the rising cost of living, We deserve better. New Jersey, it’s time for a change.”
Philadelphia’s NBC 10 News reported:
Durr said he entered the race after being denied a concealed carry permit despite having a clean record. State campaign finance records show a slate of candidates including Durr raised more than $10,000 during their campaign but spent only $153: $66.64 at Dunkin to buy food and drinks for staff and $86.67 for paper flyers and business cards.
“Well, I’m a numbers guy and I’ve looked at the numbers over the years,” Durr said in an August interview conservative commentator Elizabeth Nader. “We have a district that is 150,00 voters. Senator Sweeney has never broken 32,000 votes …. and so I felt if he can’t even get half the district, that means there’s numbers out there to be taken, and you just have to get people to come out and vote. I believe if they come out and vote, we could win,” Sweeney said.
Durr promises lower property taxes and the creation of a “friendly business environment.” NBC10 reached out to Durr by phone but did not immediately receive a response. However, his mother shared that she prays “every day that he wins.”
“Not everybody has to have a lot of money to run. All they have to do is have a heart for the people, and he’s got a heart for the working people,” Gloria Durr said. She also shared that her husband of 63 years, Edward Durr Sr., died just two weeks ago and that her son, despite being on the campaign trail, “was right there by his dad’s side throughout.”
