Running against unheralded Democratic challenger Lisa McCormick in the primary, Senator Bob Menendez tonight lost six counties and essentially tied in Gloucester County, which he unofficially won by 18 votes.

Menendez 62%

McCormick 38%.

The challenger won Somerville, Sussex, Warren, Salem, Hunterdon, and Cape May.

He released the following statement upon securing the Democratic Nomination for the office of United State Senator:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P5MFR-9K5M

“I want to thank people all across New Jersey for this victory. But our next challenge matters even more.

“Every campaign is a choice, but I believe the one this November is pretty clear – because the stakes have never been higher.

“I’ve always fought for New Jersey. That starts with making health care more affordable and accessible. I’ve stood firm to preserve a woman’s right to reproductive health and to get our fair share of Sandy aid despite a hostile Congress.

“I’ve taken on the gun lobby to ban assault weapons and for background checks so terrorists, criminals, and those with mental disabilities can’t get their hands on a gun. That earned me an “F” from the NRA, and I wear that as a badge of honor.

“America was always the land of opportunity, though that is at risk these days. So I want to give Dreamers the chance to succeed and contribute. I’ve led the fight to raise the minimum wage, for equal pay, and to make a college education less of a financial burden.

“Now, I’m standing up to the Trump war on New Jersey. I opposed the Trump tax scheme that hit middle class taxpayers while favoring giant corporations. And I will never let the Washington Republicans pay for that tax cut by threatening and cutting Social Security and Medicare.

“Our Jersey Shore is precious so I’m doing all I can to prevent the Trump plan to drill for oil off our beaches – when you drill you spill. And I won’t back down in the struggle to make the Gateway project a reality.

“My opponent, greedy drug company CEO Bob Hugin, is going to have to answer for his record of driving up prices for cancer patients while making millions for himself. Mr. Hugin is going to have to explain to the people of New Jersey why he denied access to affordable drugs in a way that even Donald Trump’s administration said was outrageous. Bob Hugin will also have to explain why he paid a $280 million settlement for defrauding taxpayers and ripping off cancer patients. And when Bob Hugin is done with all that, he is going to have to defend helping elect Donald Trump by giving hundred of thousands of dollars to support the campaign and then going to the White House to praise Donald Trump.

“I grew up in a tenement, the son of a seamstress and a carpenter. I was the first in my family to go to college. I know what it means to struggle. I understand the hurdles we face, because I have faced those same hurdles.

“These are challenging times and so much is on the line. That’s why I’m asking you to join us. It has never mattered more. Thank you.”