It didn't work out too well for Benedict Arnold, either.

So the backers of Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock wanted to remind the world as they got behind the local guy who tonight took down mild-mannered pragmatic Democrat turned fire-breathing MAGA Republican Jeff Van Drew.

It was really the shock of the night.

Van Drew beat Tim Alexander in 2024 by 17 points.

Tonight, ABC News reported the following:

Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew has conceded to Democratic challenger Zack Mullock in the race for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District.

"I've already conceded about 10 minutes ago, I called Zack Mullock and I conceded his victory. He is and will be our new congressman for the next two years," said Van Drew to supporters. "I wish him the very best. I wish him success. His success is our success."

LATEST TURNOUT NUMBERS HERE.

STATEMENT FROM CMC DEM CHAIR MARIE BLISTAN ON NOV. 3, 2026 ELECTION

Zack Mullock, an energetic and thoughtful candidate, won a seat in Congress, according to unofficial vote tallies. He went for it the hard way. The Cape May mayor traversed the vast district throughout the race highlighting issues of concern to all voters, including a data center in Vineland, flooding and beach erosion along the coast, and the high cost of living everywhere. He didn’t take money from super PACs which exist to convince politicians to favor their interests over those of the voters.

Mulock fought to be a voice for all of us instead of cronies, big business, and billionaires.

He was joined in the field by David Temple and Eric Morey, who ran for County Commission as Democrats and to end one-party rule in Cape May County. We also backed Democrats Beth Blair-Slemmer and Michelle Simmons in Lower Township; and John Carson and Renee Pettit in Dennis Township.

Cape May County Democrats worked with heart and joy, contacting Democrats and urging them to turn their frustrations with the historically corrupt regime into the power of the vote. We beat previous marks and are invigorated by this race.

We turned out a record number of voters who have hope for a better future and are fed up with Trump and his puppet. We were powered by an exceptional candidate in Mullock and a deep concern for our region.

Voters want reduced costs for necessities like food, gasoline, health care, day care, as well as peace of mind knowing that someone in Washington will fight against the scourges of racism and corporate greed.

They want to see an end to the cruelty of detention centers and violent ICE sweeps as well as a war that none but Trump and his robotic followers in Congress wanted.

Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew repeatedly lied about the costs of his fealty to Trump which includes cuts to essential government services including the Social Security administration and health care -- all to finance permanent tax cuts for the wealthy. He is in no way a champion for our region. He did not stop costal protection funds from being slashed from the budget. He was not a leader to release the Epstein files and went along with the crowd once it was clear the vote would be overwhelming.

As well as we did, we all know that this will be an ongoing fight. It always is. We will not stop advocating for a fully fair and responsible government to serve all the people, like the Constitution says.

CHAIRMAN LEROY J. JONES JR.: NJDSC PLANTED OUR FLAG IN THE GROUND

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Leroy J. Jones Jr. today released the following statement on tonight’s election results:

“I am very proud to call myself a New Jersey Democrat tonight. The energy and passion we saw right up until the polls closed were extraordinary, and tonight’s results reaffirm what we stand for. We fight for our neighbors, protect our values, and refuse to stand by silently in the face of oppression.

“Today, New Jersey Democrats planted our flag in the ground. We are proud of our new 11-member Democratic congressional delegation and of every New Jerseyan who helped make this moment possible.

“Tonight’s results give us more allies in Congress and here at home as we continue to stand up to President Trump and MAGA Republicans.

“And I have a message for the residents of New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District. Your congressman is the last MAGA extremist standing in New Jersey’s congressional delegation. You deserve a representative who fights for you, and we’ll keep fighting alongside you.”