Internal polling has shown he was losing major support from Democrats in the district, Democratic sources told CNN on Saturday. Switching parties would allow Van Drew to avoid a Democratic primary challenge for his seat. "This party switch is cynical and desperate, and I am confident that a Democrat who shares the values and priorities of our Democratic Party will hold this seat." Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee told CNN's Ana Cabrera on "Newsroom" that Van Drew is "making a serious mistake." On Saturday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, welcomed Van Drew to the Republican Party.

Source: CNN December 16, 2019 00:53 UTC