MAGA Loser Announces Bonkers Scheme to Cosplay as Winner
The New Jersey representative once declared his “undying support” for Trump.

Heather Diehl/Getty Images
A Trump loyalist whose House seat flipped blue has found a way to console himself from his midterm loss.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, 73, has hatched a plan to rebrand himself as “Congressman Emeritus” on official letterhead once his seat in New Jersey’s second congressional district is taken over by Democrat Zack Mullock.
Van Drew told the New Jersey Globe that he will print letterhead with his new title of choice as he continues to assist constituents and local officials who need his help. “Congresman Emeritus” is not an official title.
“When people at the local level need advice and help, I’ll be there,” he told the outlet.

Jeff Van Drew plans to rebrand himself "Congressman Emeritus" on his letterhead.
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Van Drew has conceded to Mullock, marking an end to eight years in Congress. He vowed to work with his Democratic successor, including by transferring pending case files for residents seeking federal assistance.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I don’t want to hurt people,” he said. “That’s the key.”
Sign Up for The Swamp Newsletter
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Van Drew’s team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this story.
The New Jersey representative was first elected to Congress in 2018 as a Democrat. He switched sides the following year, declaring “undying support” for President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
“I believe that this is just a better fit for me,” he said at the time. “This is who I am.”
Van Drew and President Donald Trump at a 2020 rally.
JEENAH MOON/REUTERS
Trump was quick to embrace his newfound devotee, calling Van Drew “highly respected.”
“I don’t know how, as a Democrat, you could have won in that district very well. That’s a great tribute to you,” he said.
But Van Drew’s fortunes have flipped seven years later. In his concession speech, he said the blue tsunami was more than just a “normal wave election.”
“It kind of is a Watergate,” he said. “Everything came together the wrong way.”
Van Drew did not pin the blame on Trump, even after the Democratic sweep was credited largely to Americans’ dissatisfaction with the president’s Iran war driving up the cost of living.
“I made my decisions, and I stand by them,” he said. “Sometimes life is bumpy and you have to man up. This is one of those moments.”
Van Drew has already set his sights on 2028, telling NJ Globe that he will actively explore a path to reclaiming his congressional seat.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
- Account (completed)
- Payment (completed)
- Confirmation (completed)
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
- 1Account
- 2Payment
- 3Confirmation

ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT