Longtime New Jersey state Senate president loses in upset to truck driver who spent $2,300 on his campaign
CBSN
New Jersey's longtime state Senate president Steve Sweeney, the second-most powerful lawmaker in the state, was defeated in a stunning upset by a political newcomer.
The Associated Press called the race for Republican Edward Durr on Thursday morning, with Durr holding a lead of more than 2,000 votes. Durr, a truck driver, spent just $2,300 on his race, according to the latest campaign finance filings. Sweeney has been president of the New Jersey Senate since 2010, which NJ.com reports is the longest tenure of anyone in the job.
Sweeney's shocking defeat came amid strong Republican turnout in New Jersey that led to GOP gains across the state. The strong Republican showing statewide in Tuesday's election nearly caused Democratic Governor Phil Murphy to lose his bid for a second term.
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