"Republicans face a significant challenge holding onto New Jersey's Second Congressional District and Congressman Jefferson Van Drew's party switch does not improve their chances in November," wrote Guinn. "Beyond the vulnerabilities on display in his own internal polling, Van Drew's party switch has further weakened him as a candidate: he enters 2020 despised by Democrats, distrusted by Republicans, and likely viewed poorly by independents who watched him swap identities for political gain."



Rep. Tom Emmer, the National Republican Congressional Committee chairman, touted Van Drew's decision as "further proof" that the Democrats' impeachment of the President would flip the House next year. "This is now a Republican seat and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure it remains a Republican seat," said Emmer.



Van Drew has said that he's well positioned to keep his seat, claiming that about 70% of his district approves of him.



When asked on Wednesday if he had received any nasty comments from his Democratic colleagues, Van Drew said, "I'm sure there may be one or two that wanted to," but disputed that Democrats had turned their backs on him.



"We were walking back toward the elevator and somebody said 'gee, you must be the loneliest person in Washington right now,'" Van Drew said. "The door opened up, two Democratic colleagues came out and gave me a hug."



