U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1) has won the Democratic primary with overwhelming (78-22%) support, easily defeating his primary challenger.

“I want to first and foremost thank the voters. It is an honor to be the Democratic nominee to serve the people of New Jersey’s First Congressional District,” said Congressman Norcross this evening.

 “We will continue our fight for good jobs, affordable healthcare and higher educational opportunities, to cut the gas tax and hold oil companies accountable, and keep our nation and neighborhoods safe.”

Hi adversaries offered their take in the loss.

In this year’s primary, South Jersey Progressive Democrats mounted a strong offensive campaign against the Norcross political machine. South Jersey Progressive Democrats forced policy and procedural change via these county and federal races against infrequently challenged incumbents.

They noted that because of Mario DeSantis’ challenge from the left, Congressman Norcross finally signed on to Medicare for All, an issue Norcross has been waffling on for years. DeSantis also exposed Norcross’s hefty campaign donations from defense contractors and the dirty energy industry. DeSantis’ campaign provided an essential values & policy contrast to Norcross that has led to Norcross being labeled a PINO (“progressive in name only”). “”We deserve a representative who leads on issues, not reacts when there’s a primary challenge,” said CD1 candidate Mario DeSantis

Via this primary, South Jersey Progressive Democrats were also able to redress a major Camden County democracy failure–the presence of phantom candidates recruited by the establishment to put their name on the ballot and siphon voters away from real challengers. South Jersey Progressive Democrats successfully challenged the petition of these fake candidates, providing voters with something new for the county–a Democratic primary ballot in which all candidates are sincerely seeking office!

South Jersey Progressive Democrats’ county level campaign provided an opportunity to talk to voters about this invisible level of government that controls a nearly half a billion dollar budget.  Though the phantom candidates provided the illusion of competition, in reality, the Camden County commissioners have been rarely challenged. The candidacy of SJ Progressive Democratic candidates Rebecca Holloway and Wim Schrieks increased turnout and attention to the significant role county government plays.  “The Norcross machine has set the wrong priorities in Camden County. We need transparency in government, elimination of “pay to play” contracts, and real resources for our growing homeless and housing insecure population,” said Commissioner candidate Rebecca Holloway.

For South Jersey Progressive Democrats, this election is not a one-off. South Jersey Progressive Democrats will continue to organize for progressive change and later this month will host an event on how to run for local office this is free and open to all. “The important work of challenging entrenched power must continue. We know that we are making change by the sure and steady growth of our movement and the meaningful connections we’ve made through this campaign. We will continue to fight for a better democracy in Camden County and all of South Jersey,” said Kate Delany, head of South Jersey Progressive Democrats.