South Jersey race heats up as Van Drew defends Medicaid cuts amid Democratic challenge
Democratic challenger Zack Mullock accuses Rep. Jeff Van Drew of supporting Medicaid and Medicare cuts, while Van Drew insists the changes target fraud and waste.
In the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Zack Mullock is campaigning against incumbent Rep. Jeff Van Drew, claiming the Republican backed the One Big Beautiful Bill that trims Medicaid and Medicare funding. Mullock cites personal stories, such as a mother of a disabled son on Medicaid, to illustrate the perceived impact of the cuts. Van Drew maintains that the legislation only reduces waste, fraud, and abuse, and highlights a new requirement for able-bodied adults to prove work, volunteering, or schooling to retain benefits.
He also notes that Medicare was not voted on and faces no cuts. The race, previously low-profile, entered the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s list of "districts in play," prompting a shift in Sabato’s Crystal Ball rating to "likely Republican." Mullock hopes voter dissatisfaction with Trump-era policies will produce an upset in a district that spans Gloucester County to the Jersey Shore.
Why it matters
The contest could determine whether New Jersey’s Medicaid program faces further cuts affecting thousands of low-income residents.
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