Controversial Consultant Hired by Rep. Jeff Van Drew
In a move that has garnered attention, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew has enlisted the services of a campaign consultant with ties to the infamous 2013 Bridgegate scandal. Van Drew, who is seeking a fifth term representing New Jersey’s 2nd District, has made significant payments to a firm owned by a prominent GOP strategist.
Recent campaign finance records reveal that Van Drew’s campaign disbursed two payments, each amounting to $5,000, to Stepien Strategic Partners. These payments were made in October and December 2025. This firm, which provides public relations advice to candidates and lawmakers, is headed by Bill Stepien, a seasoned Republican operative who also managed Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, which ultimately was not successful.
Stepien’s past is marked by controversy. He was at the helm of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s reelection campaign during the infamous September 2013 lane closures on the George Washington Bridge near Fort Lee, NJ. These closures led to massive traffic congestion during rush hour, affecting emergency services and causing significant public inconvenience. The closures were initially explained away by the Christie administration as part of a “traffic study.”
However, an email from Bridget Anne Kelly, who succeeded Stepien as deputy chief of staff, to David Wildstein, a Christie appointee, hinted at a different motive. The email stated, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” suggesting the closures were a retaliatory move against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Christie.
Subsequent investigations alleged that Kelly and other staffers orchestrated the closures. Following the revelation of the email, Wildstein reportedly informed Christie’s press secretary of his knowledge about the scheme, implicating both Kelly and Stepien. Wildstein resigned in December 2013, and the fallout saw Kelly being dismissed by Christie in January 2014. Christie also cut ties with Stepien, rejecting his nomination as chair of the New Jersey Republican Party.
Legal proceedings followed, resulting in the indictment and sentencing of Kelly and another staffer, Bill Baroni. However, the U.S. Supreme Court later overturned these convictions, not disputing the actions but ruling that the charges were inapplicable.
Stepien, who also managed Baroni’s 2003 campaign for the New Jersey State Assembly, has continued his political career despite the scandal. Van Drew’s selection of Stepien as a consultant is notable given his position on the House Oversight Committee, responsible for probing political misconduct. As Van Drew campaigns for reelection, his Democratic opponent will emerge from a primary on June 2.
