Rep. Chris Smith, a 21-term incumbent who is extremely popular in New Jersey’s 4th District which he represents in Congress, is facing a slew of opponents in June’s Republican primary matchup. But now there’s one less.
In a statement, Smith challenger Mike Crispi said that Daniel Francisco, who had also been running to unseat Smith, is dropping out an endorsing him.
In a joint statement, Crispi and Francisco said they “have joined forces to take out the Monmouth County Republican establishment.”
“Francisco, a long-time grassroots activist is now ending his Congressional bid and endorsing Crispi as the best candidate to take on Chris Smith and will run against Tom Arnone and Nick DiRocco for a seat on the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners,” they wrote in a joint statement.
Smith currently leads all his Republican challengers by a wide margin and has received the unanimous endorsement of the Ocean County Republican Party, all but assuring his victory in June’s primary.