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New Jersey Senator-elect Edward Durr apologizes for Islamophobic tweet

Truck driver is projected to have defeated longtime Democratic incumbent Steve Sweeney after spending just $2,300 on his campaign.

November 6, 2021 4:01pm

Updated: November 6, 2021 4:01pm

Edward Durr, the truck driver who made news earlier this week for reportedly defeating longtime New Jersey Democratic Senator Steve Sweeney, is now apologizing for an anti-Islamic tweet he posted in 2019.

In that tweet, Durr called Islamic prophet Muhammad a pedophile and claimed Islam was “a false religion.”

“I’m a passionate guy and I sometimes say things in the heat of the moment,” Durr said in a statement released on Friday. “If I said things in the past that hurt anybody’s feelings, I sincerely apologize. I support everybody’s right to worship in any manner they choose and to worship the God of their choice. I support all people and I support everybody’s rights. That’s what I am here to do, work for the people and support their rights.”

Durr, 58, spent $2,300 to defeat Sweeney, according to an Election Law Enforcement Commission document filed online on Thursday. Initial reports indicated that the first-time officeholder had spent only $153.31 on his campaign.

Sweeney, 62, had led the 3rd Legislative District since 2002 and had been New Jersey State Senate President since 2010.