Field of Democrats running for LoBiondo’s South Jersey Congressional seat is growing

It seems a veteran politician likely will join a political newcomer in the race for retiring U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo’s South Jersey seat.

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew says he needs a few days and then will seriously review a run for US Congress.

“I think I represent the values of a cross section of a great swath of the people who live and work in the Second Congressional District,” he said.

Van Drew is a conservative Democrat from Cape May County.

Tanzie Youngblood, a retired teacher from Gloucester County who jumped into the race over the summer says she’s running a small dollar, grassroots campaign.

“Because I’m beholden to no one but them and those little $15, $20, $25, contributions I’m getting from them, it adds up it may not be enough but it adds up,” Youngblood said.

Sean Thom from Cumberland County is also running for the Democratic nomination.

LoBiondo, a Republican, announced Tuesday he’s not seeking another term saying, “a vocal and obstinate minority within both parties” has hijacked Congress.

Van Drew says he is “leaning that way” when asked to take a stand on the run for Congress, but wants to review the matter completely before making his final decision, likely before January.