The third candidate announced by the GOP is Steve Sweeney’s former state senator.

On Monday night, former State Senator Ed Durr (R – Logan) will announce his candidacy to the Republican nomination for Governor at a church located in Egg Harbor Township.

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and State Senator Jon Bramnick, both Republicans from Westfield, will join the list of announced Republican candidates. Bill Spadea, the NJ 101.5 host, is also expected run.

Durr stated, “New Jersey is in need of a hard-working, blue-collar conservative. I am the perfect candidate for the job.” Durr said, “Under Democrat control, our budgets have ballooned and our school curricula have been corrupted. Life has become more expensive.” It’s time for a trucker to come in and turn around our state.

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Supporters have circulated an invitation for a “surprise” announcement at the New Life Assembly. Speakers include former Atlantic County freeholder Seth Grossman, and a group that advocates family values. The invite includes Durr and a surprise speaker, who is “a fierce advocate for parents and children.”

He claimed to be a conservative who has joined a growing field of moderates.

Durr lost last year’s election to former Assemblyman John Burzichelli, D-Paulsboro. He was outspent 10-1.

“A statewide race is really about who can create the best brand with primary voters, without county lines.” Micah Rasmussen of Rider University’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics said that Durr had a lot of name recognition in the state. “For many Republicans in the state, Ed the Trucker is still a folk hero as the Sweeney killer, and his failure in 2023 wasn’t in the primary.”

Former lawmaker joins what appears to be a new process in gubernatorial elections: office block ballots without organization lines. This eliminates the need for a 10-week convention season.

Durr plans to attend Donald Trump’s Wildwood rally on Saturday. He will also release a new book at the end this month.

He could be re-matched with Sweeney who is running for the Democratic nomination as governor.