On Monday, New Jersey state Sen. Dawn Addiego ruled out seeking the Republican nomination for Congress by ruling out the Republican Party. Addiego, who had been mentioned as a possible opponent for freshman Democratic Rep. Andy Kim in the 3rd Congressional District, announced she was joining the Democratic Party.
Kim unseated GOP Rep. Tom MacArthur last year in a tight 50-49 contest, and the GOP is going to want to target this 51-45 Trump seat. However, the New Jersey Globe writes that the Republicans could have trouble finding a viable candidate while Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore is under indictment on federal tax charges. Gilmore, who is scheduled to go to trial at the end of March, is a major Republican power player in this South Jersey seat. The Globe says Gilmore has been a key player in recruiting a candidate, but that his legal problems could deter potential Kim challengers.