Here we go again, Patriots. Another establishment Republican thinks the path to victory runs straight through throwing President Trump under the bus. Joe Hathaway, the GOP nominee in Thursday's special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, is making the same tired mistake that cost Republicans countless seats over the years – distancing himself from the most popular Republican president in modern history.
Hathaway faces off against Democrat Analilia Mejia in the race to fill the House seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill. Instead of embracing the America First agenda that delivered Trump a decisive 2024 victory, Hathaway is playing the old RINO playbook of trying to appeal to mythical "moderate" voters who don't exist.
This backwards thinking is exactly why Republicans struggled in blue and purple states for decades before Trump showed them how to win. While Hathaway distances himself from success, his Democrat opponent Mejia is doubling down on the same socialist policies that are destroying cities across America.
"The choice is clear – we can either stand with the winning America First movement or watch another establishment candidate snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," said one frustrated New Jersey conservative activist.
What's particularly infuriating is that Trump's policies are working. With mass deportations underway, the border finally being secured, and American energy dominance returning, this should be a layup for any Republican candidate smart enough to embrace the winning formula.
The Israel Factor
The candidates are also clashing over Israel policy, with Hathaway apparently trying to out-maneuver Mejia on support for our strongest Middle Eastern ally. But here's the thing – Trump already delivered historic peace in the region and moved our embassy to Jerusalem. Why not just embrace that winning record?
New Jersey Republicans deserve better than another politician who's ashamed of conservative victories. They deserve a fighter who will stand with President Trump's successful agenda, not run from it. Will Garden State voters reward this cowardly strategy, or will they send a message that the days of spineless establishment Republicans are over?