The son of the senator: Democrat Robert Menendez Jr. wins 8th District primary

Electoral politics the world over rests greatly on establishing networks, even more so than winning over the masses. For a newcomer, building such networks of money, power and influence to penetrate everyday mainstream politics is an immense task and is often impossible. It comes as no surprise that familial dynasties are common across the political spectrum, from the most local to national levels. In the United States, we only need to look as far as the bloodcurdling father-son duo of Bush Sr. and Bush Jr. Closer home the Gandhis aren’t the sole proprietors of such a tradition, as much as we may want to believe so! But spit as we might on this practice, it’s inevitably here to stay till a better politics takes over public consciousness.

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The latest entrant to this familial game is Robert Menedez Jr., son of US Senator Robert Menedez Sr. Finding support from across the board, the Jersey City lawyer won the Democrat primary without breaking much sweat, garnering over 80% of the vote. Finishing well ahead of healthcare start-up founder and activist David Ocampo Grajales and teacher and record-label owner Ane-Roseborough-Eberhard, Menendez Jr. will now square off against GOP candidate Marcos Arroyo for the 8th Congressional District of New Jersey.

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Receiving the backing of incumbent Albio Sires, who himself has designs on becoming West New York mayor, the son of the senator is expected to win from this predominantly blue-natured district. In such circumstances, it is hard to not doff your hat to your family, without whose influence this would have been a different ball game altogether:

“This campaign would not have been possible without the support of my wife Alex, and I am very thankful for the sacrifices that she has made to make tonight possible. I would like to thank my parents for instilling in me the same spirit of public service that has guided them throughout their lives. I hope I have made them proud in how we conducted our campaign,” quotes the Hudson Reporter.

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Gracious enough to remember his opponents in the primary, the New Jersey man would thank his opponents for their contributions and efforts in campaigning. It’s all in the game, I suppose!