Sen. Cory Booker launched his long-shot Democratic presidential campaign in early 2019 despite plunging poll numbers back home in New Jersey. And so, it is little surprise that the man who dubbed himself “Spartacus” during Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s Senate confirmation hearing returns home looking more like a complete failure after his very brief, wildly unsuccessful bid for president.
But Booker isn’t returning to the same New Jersey that he abandoned a year ago. The state’s landscape is changing, and thanks to President Trump and his leadership, Republicans are surging, leaving Booker and his fellow New Jersey Democrats struggling to maintain their grip on power. Good.
It’s worth remembering that when Booker decided to run for president, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill allowing Booker to run for both the Senate and president at the same time. That’s right: Known as the “Cory Booker Law,” the legislation allowed the senator to appear on the November ballot as both a candidate for president or vice president and Senate.
It’s hard to think of anything more repulsive than career politicians protecting their own. This abuse of power by Democratic lawmakers and the governor sends a terrible message and rewards Booker’s failure. But it’s an opportunity Republicans can capitalize on.
This evening, Trump is holding a rally in New Jersey in front of 7,500 people, with thousands more expected to be outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 45th president as his motorcade makes its way around the jampacked convention center. Even 24 hours before the rally, thousands of people were already camping outside of the venue to secure a spot. While Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in New Jersey, you’d never guess that, given the unprecedented energy and excitement that Trump’s visit is generating.
Tonight’s rally will be held in the district of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a former Democratic congressman who switched parties when House Democrats voted to impeach the president. Van Drew was one of two Democrats who broke party ranks and voted against the articles of impeachment.
The state’s surge in Republican support and Booker’s declining popularity are all good signs in New Jersey.
And the Senate race to replace Booker is already heating up, too. One candidate to keep your eye on is New Jersey entrepreneur and healthcare executive Rik Mehta. As a first-generation Indian American, Mehta earned degrees in pharmacy and law. He has also held senior positions at the Food and Drug Administration and the Washington, D.C., Department of Health and boasts extensive experience in the private sector. And as the discussion about healthcare reform continues, Trump will have an important ally in Congress if Mehta wins.
Booker has every reason to be worried about the election. His poll numbers are plunging, his party is losing its grip on political power and influence, and Republicans are now surging in New Jersey. And for anyone that doubts this Republican resurgence, just follow the coverage and post-event coverage of tonight’s presidential rally in New Jersey.
The Republican rise in New Jersey is just another reminder that the story of Cory Booker, and really, the story of the New Jersey Democratic Party, is one of going from self-proclaimed “Spartacus” to a total failure.
Mark Vargas (@MarkAVargas) is a tech entrepreneur, political adviser, criminal justice reform advocate, and contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog. From 2007-10, he served as a civilian in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
