Suggesting that U.S. Senator Andy Kim’s opposition to his candidacy doesn’t frighten him, State Sen. Jim Beach (D-Voorhees) dispelled retirement rumors and said he will seek re-election to a seventh term in the Camden County-based 6th legislative district in 2027.
“I plan on running,” Beach told the New Jersey Globe.
He said he expects the support of U.S. Senator Cory Booker, colleagues in both houses of the legislature, and “leaders across South Jersey” as he seeks to hold the Senate seat he’s occupied since 2009.
“I have never believed that holding elected office was somehow a right that could not or should not be challenged, and I welcome any and all opponents to file to run against me in my re-election bid so that we can fully review our records and agenda for the future,” said Beach. “I’m very proud of my record.”
Kim announced today that he would support someone else against Beach in the 2027 Democratic primary and was prepared to support primary challenges against other Democrats he views as resistant to anti-corruption laws.
Earlier this month, Kim and Beach traded barbs at a public hearing on legislation that would reduce the statuatory authority of the state comptroller.
Beach punched back at Kim.
“Senator Kim is trying to become exactly what he says he is opposed to: a party boss. His announcement today makes it clear that going forward, he intends to make sure he selects the candidates and sets the agenda,” said Beach. “That is the definition of boss-ism.”
Beach said that “for those of us who have known Senator Kim for years, this is no surprise.”
“He has always been focused more on his own advancement and public image than on issues,” Beach alleged. “The eager acceptance of the party line in his congressional races before opposing it, because it worked against him as a Senate candidate, is just one glaringly obvious example of his hypocrisy. His open campaigning for super PAC support in 2018 is another.”
And Beach accused Kim of being pro-Trump, attacking his vote to confirm Kristi Noem as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. He said Noem’s “racist and illegal immigration raids have been a feature of President Trump’s second term.”
“Those who have watched ICE barge into people’s homes and businesses and snatch people off the street while refusing any accountability or disclosure undoubtedly want to know more about Senator Kim’s rationale, especially given that Senator Booker opposed Secretary Noem. For certain, Mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who were arrested while trying to inspect Delany Hall, an ICE Detention Center in Newark, will have strong thoughts on her tenure,” he said. “Senator Kim has refused to discuss his rationale or apologize for his vote.
Beach also slammed Kim for enabling “President Trump’s grift by allowing Defense Department funds to be spent at Trump properties and allow President Trump to hold ‘military parades and exhibitions for political purposes.’ “
“I look forward to asking whoever Senator Kim handpicks to run against me,” said Beach. “I will make sure they answer the questions Senator Kim won’t.”
