Ed Durr Ends New Jersey Governor Bid, Endorses Bill Spadea

Ed Durr, the former New Jersey state senator known for his upset victory over Democratic leader Steve Sweeney in 2021, has withdrawn from the GOP race for governor due to insufficient funds to qualify for matching state campaign financing. Despite his exit, Durr emphasized his ongoing commitment to conservative values and initially appeared to endorse fellow Republican Bill Spadea, although he later clarified that he is not formally endorsing anyone at this time. Durr's decision comes as New Jersey's gubernatorial race heats up, with Democratic Governor Phil Murphy stepping down due to term limits and several GOP candidates vying for the nomination, including Trump skeptics like state Senator Jon Bramnick and former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. Durr expressed concerns about splitting the conservative vote and is refocusing his efforts on supporting a viable candidate who aligns with the MAGA movement. He hinted at future political ambitions, including a potential run for U.S. Senate against Cory Booker. The Republican field faces an uphill battle in a state with a significant Democratic voter advantage.