Van Drew, Jefferson

Jefferson Van Drew is a Republican representative from New Jersey's 2nd congressional district who chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight. As chair of this subcommittee, Van Drew leads oversight of federal agencies within the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction, including the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The subcommittee has broad authority to investigate government operations, conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses and documents, and recommend legislative action.

Van Drew brings substantial experience in public service to this role. Before entering Congress in 2019, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly and State Senate, where he chaired the Community and Urban Affairs Committee and served as vice chair of the Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee. He is a dentist by profession who operated a dental practice in South Jersey for 30 years, and previously served as mayor of Dennis Township and on the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He earned his B.S. from Rutgers University and his D.M.D. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Van Drew was initially elected to Congress as a Democrat in 2018 but switched to the Republican Party in 2020. His legislative priorities reflect his South Jersey background and include coastal protection, veterans' benefits, and transportation infrastructure. He has sponsored legislation on diverse topics including the Coastal Trust Fund Act, the IDA Act of 2026, and measures addressing TRICARE benefits for military retirees. His committee assignments also include the House Judiciary Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and subcommittees on Immigration Integrity, Security and Enforcement, Aviation, and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.