Ed Durr, the truck driver turned state senator who gained national attention for his shocking upset of New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney in 2021, has officially launched his campaign for the 2025 gubernatorial race. Durr, known as "Ed the Trucker," aims to leverage his grassroots appeal and conservative values to win over New Jersey voters.
Durr's announcement was made during a speech in Egg Harbor Township, where he criticized the current state of New Jersey’s government. "New Jersey is broken," Durr declared, emphasizing the state's financial and moral challenges under the current administration. He stressed the need for change, promising to restore New Jersey to its former glory and make it a place where residents can thrive rather than merely survive.
Yesterday I was honored to be invited by ABCD and join them for a board meeting and hear more about their issues and problems in the special needs community. New Jersey government has been ignoring them and things need to change. #AutismAwareness #NJDeservesBetter #Durr4Governor pic.twitter.com/DOSw5elgDp
— Edward Durr (@EdTheTruckerNJ) July 25, 2024
The former state senator's entry into the gubernatorial race adds another layer of complexity to an already crowded GOP primary. Durr joins state Senator Jon Bramnick and 2021 gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli in the Republican field. Additionally, NJ 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea is also considering a run, potentially splitting the conservative vote further.
Durr's campaign emphasizes his outsider status and blue-collar background, which resonated with voters during his previous campaigns. Despite losing his re-election bid in 2023, Durr remains a prominent figure in New Jersey politics, known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach and commitment to conservative principles.
The Republican running for my congressional seat is literally doing the Ed Durr strategy.
Because of this, he got endorsed by Ed Durr. pic.twitter.com/sW6zq5aPoM
— Convicted Senator Gold Bar Bob (@SenGoldBars) January 18, 2024
Durr’s campaign will likely focus on issues such as lowering taxes, improving public safety, and reducing government overreach—key concerns for his conservative base. His previous tenure in the state Senate was marked by his strong stance on these issues, as well as his vocal opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s policies.
On the Democratic side, the race is shaping up with notable candidates like Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka already declaring their intentions to run. This sets the stage for a potentially heated and high-stakes general election.
Durr's campaign is poised to capitalize on his name recognition and grassroots support, aiming to mobilize a strong voter turnout among conservatives. His straightforward appeal to "everyday people" and commitment to conservative values will be central to his strategy as he seeks to navigate the crowded primary and secure the GOP nomination.
As the race progresses, Durr's ability to gather financial support and broaden his appeal beyond his base will be critical. With more than a year until the primary, the political landscape in New Jersey is set to evolve, making this a race to watch closely.
