- Alex Zudan, a former News 12 New Jersey reporter known for his aggressive presentations and clashes with local politicians, has announced his intention to run as a Republican for the contested U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez seat.
- Zudan joins a relatively crowded field of Republican candidates, including Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner and businessman Curtis Bashaw.
- Prominent Democratic politicians, particularly South Jersey Rep. Andy Kim and First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey, have also launched primary challenges to the embattled Menendez.
A former television news reporter known for his aggressive demeanor in front of cameras has been named a Republican candidate for the New Jersey state Senate seat currently held by Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges. He is running for election.
Alex Zudan, 38, a former News 12 reporter in New Jersey, announced his candidacy Friday with an online video showing him at the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona, and the illegal activities revealed there. appealed for an end to border crossings. It has become a major campaign theme for Republican candidates across the country. The video shows gaps in the border fence.
Menendez’s lawyer claims the FBI “illegally” raided his home, searched his home and seized $500,000 in gold and cash.
Zudan joins a rapidly filling field of Republican candidates, including Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner and southern New Jersey businessman Curtis Bashaw. New Jersey hasn’t elected a Republican to the Senate since 1972, but Republicans hope the turmoil over Menendez will give them a chance to redeem themselves in a narrowly divided chamber.
This undated photo shows News 12 reporter turned U.S. Senate candidate Alex Zudan in his former employer’s studio. (Alex Zudan, via AP)
The Democratic primary remains inconclusive, and Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of accepting bribes in exchange for foreign aid, has not yet said whether he will seek reelection. He has vowed he will fight the charges against him, but many Democrats have abandoned him and some say he should resign.
While the race between New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and Congressman Andy Kim has garnered attention, other Democrats, including civil rights activist Lawrence Hamm and labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina, Deputies also entered the ring.
Zudan left television journalism late last year after being fired during News 12’s program cuts. He frequently clashed with Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy during the governor’s COVID-19 news conferences, asking aggressive questions and in 2020 telling Trump supporters to “shut up” for interrupting coverage. He spoke and got attention.
Zudan said in a phone interview that it’s time for a new generation of conservative leaders focused on reaching working-class and multicultural voters, who believe the press is a public service. He said he decided to switch from journalism to politics.
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“If you know me and you know my energy and my ability and my desire to serve people and make people’s lives better, it’s great to go from the anchor desk to the floor of Congress. It makes sense,” he said.
