Q&A with the Star and Wave
CAPE MAY− Lifelong Cape May resident and two-term mayor Zack Mullock is one of four Democrats challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew for his seat in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District.
Of several reasons for entering the race, Mullock said it came down to a moral obligation after this past January, when a series of informational signs about slavery were removed from the President’s House in Old City Philadelphia, a historic site operated by the National Park Service.
“That moment made it clear to me: this is bigger than politics,” Mullock said. “It’s a moral issue. And I felt it was my responsibility to step up and run.”
What is your background?
I am a lifelong resident of Cape May. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University, where I [served as class] president and was a student-athlete. I went on to earn an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University.
I have been on the Cape May City Council for eight years, as mayor for six, and have been elected three times. As mayor, I have not raised taxes once, and we have built a new library, [new] fire station, and we are in the process of building a new police station and upgrading our lifeguard headquarters.
Outside of being mayor, I helped found the Harriet Tubman Museum and the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center. I volunteered to [serve as the museum’s] lead contractor to restore and protect the building’s history.
My wife Justine and I have three children (11,8,7).
What made you decide to run?
Jeff Van Drew has not only changed parties, [but] he has become unrecognizable. He’s no longer representing South Jersey; he’s representing the interests of Donald Trump.
When plaques in Philadelphia honoring African American history were taken down, I waited for my congressman to speak out. He didn’t. Instead, he stayed silent while the Trump administration attempted to erase pieces of our history.
History matters deeply to me. Preserving our history isn’t optional; it’s essential. We have a duty to protect it, honor it, and ensure future generations understand where we’ve been and who we are.
What issues are the focus of your campaign?
- Focus on lowering the cost of living by addressing hidden fees, reducing taxes on working families and ensuring fair wages.
- Promote clean energy and conservation policies that save families money and preserve the environment for future generations.
- Rooting out corruption, demanding transparency and accountability so that the government works for the people, not special interests.
What issues do you believe will resonate in this conservative district?
At the core, we all want the same things: to support our families and build a better future for our children. Yet too often, representation feels out of touch with these basic needs. Today’s families face new challenges and many worry their children will be worse off than they are. As a parent, that is unacceptable.
As mayor, I’ve never focused on party affiliation, only on solutions. My goal has always been to tackle our shared challenges and make Cape May the best place to live, work, and visit.
How do you balance your campaign with your home life/family/work?
I’m incredibly grateful for my wife, Justine, my best friend and an amazing mother, who has supported me since the start of my political journey over eight years ago and continues to stand by me as I run for Congress. We share a deep commitment to our community and to standing up for those who don’t have the same opportunities we do.
I’m equally thankful for our outstanding City Council and administration. This team works tirelessly every day, bringing dedication, professionalism and a shared commitment to making our city stronger. Their hard work and collaboration are the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished, and they’ve made it possible for me to serve effectively as mayor while campaigning across a district larger than Delaware.
The country is politically divided more so than ever. How do you plan to work across the aisle to bring change to South Jersey?
When I first became mayor, our community was divided, like so many others. But I’ve always believed real leadership is about bringing people together, not pushing them apart.
What I’m most proud of is that we chose unity. Together, we’ve taken on meaningful projects that have made our community stronger. That same spirit is exactly what Washington needs because, frankly, it could learn a lot from South Jersey.
As John F. Kennedy said, “What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” He was right then and it still holds true today. If we focus on what brings us together instead of what tears us apart, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
In your past positions, how have you handled difficult decisions?
Any time you’re spending the people’s money, you have a responsibility to make careful, thoughtful decisions.
In Cape May, we’ve focused on what matters most: public safety, education and infrastructure. By prioritizing smart investments, we’ve strengthened key parts of our community while maintaining fiscal discipline.
In fact, we’ve improved our city without raising taxes for seven years. That’s the kind of responsible leadership people deserve.
What are the major issues that southern New Jersey residents are facing?
The housing crisis has gotten completely out of hand. Young people cannot afford to live in South Jersey; we are forcing them to leave and go elsewhere. I don’t know what I would do if I had to move away from my family and my support system. South Jersey needs to keep its bright young people here but instead, we are hitting them with higher prices and unlivable wages.
The environment is a major issue. Temperatures are rising, sea levels are increasing and parts of New Jersey are sinking. We must protect our communities by implementing strong conservation policies and investing in coastline replenishment to safeguard our future.
What ideas do you have to address these issues?
We kill two birds with one stone. We create jobs and homes at the same time. During the FDR era, we built new homes, and the people who moved into those homes did not become communists; they became the middle class.
We need to look at the multitude of abandoned and run-down properties in South Jersey and do the work to allow families to move in. It is going to take rolling up our sleeves, but that’s why I have a tractor.
Republicans largely outnumber Democrats in the district. If you won the primary, how would you attract those vital independent voters?
There are a lot of people — not Democrats or Republicans, just people—who are worried about the cost of living, health care, endless wars and rising energy costs. These aren’t partisan issues; they’re American issues. They affect every family sitting around the kitchen table.
As your congressman, those are the concerns that will have my full attention. While others in Washington argue over partisan talking points, I’ll stay focused on delivering real solutions to the problems people face every day.
Why are you the strongest candidate to take on U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew?
Jeff Van Drew is no longer the moderate leader people thought they elected. He’s changed, both politically and in who he stands for.
I was born and raised in South Jersey. My roots are here and my record of service reflects that. This isn’t a stepping stone for me, it’s home. While others use South Jersey to get to Washington, I’m running to bring South Jersey’s values to Washington. I’m also the only candidate in this race who has won an election and I did it in Jeff Van Drew’s back yard by working with people across party lines to get things done.
Jeff Van Drew has aligned himself with Donald Trump and lost focus on the people of this district. I can defeat him because I’ve earned this community’s trust and I know how to deliver results.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to sincerely thank you for everything you do. Without local writers, important stories like these wouldn’t reach the public. As a mayor, I know firsthand how much local politicians can impact people’s lives, yet we often receive so little coverage, good or bad. Your work matters, and I deeply appreciate it.
– By RACHEL SHUBIN/For the Cape May Star and Wave
– PHOTO by DAVID NAHAN/Cape May Star and Wave and Ocean City Sentinel staff
