Van Drew’s Campaign Consultant Ties to Bridgegate Scandal
In a recent development, New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew has brought into his campaign team a consultant connected to the infamous 2013 Bridgegate scandal. The addition of the consultant comes as Van Drew seeks reelection for a fifth term in New Jersey’s 2nd District, which comprises areas such as Atlantic City and parts of Toms River.
According to new campaign finance records, Van Drew’s campaign allocated $10,000 to Stepien Strategic Partners, a public relations firm known for its political consultation. The payments were distributed in two equal installments of $5,000 each, occurring in October and December 2025.
Stepien Strategic Partners is managed by Bill Stepien, a notable figure within the GOP who once led Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. Following the election, Stepien disseminated discredited theories alleging voter fraud, a stance also taken by Van Drew.
Bridgegate Scandal Background
Bill Stepien was managing the reelection campaign for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie when a major traffic issue arose in September 2013. Two lanes on the George Washington Bridge near Fort Lee were abruptly closed, leading to severe traffic congestion. This move caught the public and emergency services off guard and was initially claimed to be part of a “traffic study” by the Christie administration.
However, an email surfaced that Bridget Anne Kelly, who succeeded Stepien as Christie’s deputy chief of staff, had sent to David Wildstein at the Port Authority, stating, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” This communication suggested the closure was a retaliatory act against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Christie’s campaign.
Following the email’s public release, Wildstein disclosed to Christie’s press secretary his awareness of the lane closures, implicating Kelly and Stepien. He further hinted at a prior romantic relationship between Kelly and Stepien. Wildstein resigned in December 2013.
Governor Christie, in January 2014, responded by dismissing Kelly and severing ties with Stepien. He also withdrew Stepien’s nomination for New Jersey Republican Party chairmanship.
The legal proceedings saw Kelly and another Christie aide, Bill Baroni, convicted and sentenced to prison. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned their convictions, not disputing their actions but finding the charges inappropriate.
Stepien, who had previously managed Baroni’s 2003 New Jersey State Assembly campaign, continues to exert influence in political circles.
Current Political Climate
Currently a member of the House Oversight Committee, which probes into political misconduct, Van Drew faces an electoral challenge with the Democratic primary scheduled for June 2, 2026. His selection of Stepien as a consultant highlights ongoing connections within political operatives linked to past controversies.
