Edward Durr, a commercial truck driver who only spent $153 on his primary campaign, has officially unseated New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (D).
Durr, who has no political experience, received national attention on Wednesday as early results showed him narrowly leading Sweeney in the race.
Sweeney has served as the state Senate’s president since 2010 and was expected to serve a seventh term in that position if he won the election.
NJ.com notes that there is speculation that he was considering a run for governor in 2025.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Top NJ lawmaker Steve Sweeney defeated by GOP newcomer Edward Durr, who spent just $153 on his campaign.
— Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) November 4, 2021
Durr told Fox News that while he spent just $153 on his primary campaign, he spent roughly $5,000 ahead of the general election.
According to The New York Times, Durr beat Sweeney 52% to 48%.
In a tweet in July, Durr said, “Hello NJ, I am Edward Durr, the Republican senate candidate for legislative district 3. I’m a father of 3 & grandfather of 6. Life long resident of NJ. Not seeking power or fame, only give the people better representation. Lower taxes! Transparency!”
Hello NJ, I am Edward Durr, the Republican senate candidate for legislative district 3. I'm a father of 3 & grandfather of 6. Life long resident of NJ. Not seeking power or fame, only give the people better representation. Lower taxes! Transparency! @nj1015 @1210WPHT @GlouCoGOP pic.twitter.com/YiOCzFjtSw
— Edward Durr (@edwarddurr1) July 23, 2021
In a campaign video, Durr said, “The Senate President has spent 20 years in Trenton.
“Higher taxes, increasing debt, and the rising cost of living. We deserve better. New Jersey, it’s time for a change,” he added.
On Wednesday, Durr told NJ.com, “I joked with people, and I said, ‘I’m going to shock the world, I’m going to beat this man.'”
“I was saying it, but really kind of joking. Because what chance did a person like me really stand against this man? He’s literally the second-most powerful person in the state of New Jersey,” he added.
While Durr succeeded unseating Sweeney, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) narrowly pulled out a victory in his reelection bid to become the first Democrat in the state to win a second term since 1977.
