Just how much Mr. Trump’s backing will help Mr. Van Drew, a former dentist and state legislator, remains to be seen. Several Republican candidates already planning on running for the district’s Republican nomination have warily eyed Mr. Van Drew’s defection while making clear they intend to stay in the race. But Mr. Van Drew was facing two unappealing options: most likely lose as a Democrat, or roll the dice and see if he could win as a Republican. Mr. Van Drew sought assurances from the president, and Mr. Trump said he would support him publicly, those briefed said. Congressional Democrats condemned Mr. Van Drew’s move.

Source: New York Times December 20, 2019 00:22 UTC