A Democratic representative whose district in southern New Jersey went for President Donald Trump in 2016 said he will oppose articles of impeachment against the president.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-N.J.) was one of two Democrats to vote in opposition to a resolution in October that established impeachment inquiry procedures.
Over the past several weeks of public hearings on impeachment, Van Drew said his position hasn’t changed.
The political news website also reported that some Democrats within his district, which was long been held by the GOP, may challenge him in 2020.
Atlantic County Democratic Committee Chairman Michael Suleiman warned Van Drew that his vote against impeachment might depress voter turnout in his district.
On Friday, Van Drew told the Hill that he isn’t concerned.
“Not at all. People vote individually,” Van Drew said, referring to Suleiman’s letter. “Nobody ever forces me how to vote,” he added.
Since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) launched the impeachment inquiry, Van Drew has been a vocal opponent of the process and said it would tear the country apart. He also claimed it would prove to be a losing tactic for Democrats as the Senate will most likely vote against removing Trump—if articles of impeachment get passed in the House.
Another vulnerable Democrat also indicated that he’s not sure how he'll vote.
“I can’t say if I’m going to vote for or against something until I actually see it,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.), according to The Hill.