FLORHAM PARK – Ed Durr is not the type to shy from a fight.
The Republican gubernatorial candidate from Salem County ventured to the Fairleigh Dickinson University campus Thursday afternoon and said he doesn’t believe in global warming and that individuals should be able to own just about any firearm they want.
This is nothing new for Durr, the truck driver who became a right-wing star when he upended Senate President Steve Sweeney in 2021, but his views drew some surprise looks – and some pushback – from an audience of about 50.
This was part of FDU’s “Gubernatorial Conversations,” a series of interviews with announced or presumed candidates for governor in 2025.
The host is FDU political science professor and pollster Peter Woolley.
Durr lost his re-election fight last fall to John Burzichelli and soon thereafter, announced a run for governor.
After some preliminary chit-chat about Durr’s background – he most famously spent very little money (comparatively) in beating Sweeney – Durr said he strongly opposes constructing windmills along the Jersey shore for wind energy. He prefers nuclear power.
That prompted an audience member to ask if he believed in global warming.
He said he did not, contending that some practitioners of climate change manipulate numbers to their advantage.
Another member of the crowd brought up the overwhelming consensus of scientists about how a warming planet is melting ice caps, increasing ocean temperatures and fueling more severe storms.
Durr was not persuaded, offering that he believes in some climate change.
“It’s called the four seasons,” he said.
The question and answer session moved to guns and some background is needed.
It was firearms – or rather Durr’s inability to get a concealed carry permit – that prompted his initial runs for office a few years before his 2021 victory. He said he could not understand why a law-abiding man like himself was prevented from getting one.
Things have changed somewhat because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, but gun laws in New Jersey are still among the toughest in the nation.
Durr contended that every individual has the right of self-protection and mirroring the views of the NRA, said the best way to stop a bad person with a gun is with a good person with a gun.
He was asked if people should be allowed to have “machine guns” in their homes. They are illegal under federal law, but it was the point that counted.
Durr said he does not make a distinction among weapons and that people who carry firearms tend to be the most law-abiding people in society.
He said he would combat school shootings with armed guards in schools.
None of these views would raise eyebrows in very conservative circles.
But the practical problem for Durr – if he can get to the general election – is that they are not in line with a majority of New Jersey voters.
The session would not have been complete without Durr being asked about the abortion comment that was a big part of the campaign against him last year.
That was when he suggested before getting elected that women have the “choice” of keeping their legs closed.
“It was a very crass comment,” Durr said today, adding, “I’m not the same person I was seven years ago.”
But Durr said what he called his “rude” comment does not alter the fact he is pro-life.
Durr is one of four Republicans in the field so far. The others are Jack Ciattarelli, Jon Bramnick and Bill Spadea. whose views are similar to Durr’s.
Spadea, who hosts a radio show on 101.5, is involved in an unfolding drama of his own.
The state Election Law Enforcement Commission has scheduled a Friday hearing to consider whether Spadea’s show constitutes an improper “in-kind contribution.”
Durr offered his position:
“Where’s my equal time?”
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Durr, a right-wing rock star, has been making waves across the state with his controversial message of the “global warming hoax.” The musician, known for his provocative lyrics and outspoken political views, has been touring various cities and towns to spread his message to fans and supporters.
Durr’s belief in the global warming hoax stems from his skepticism of mainstream science and his distrust of government institutions. He argues that the idea of man-made climate change is a ploy by politicians and environmentalists to control the population and push their own agendas.
During his statewide tour, Durr has been performing at music venues and rallies, where he not only plays his music but also delivers speeches on the topic of climate change. His message has been met with both support and backlash, with some praising him for speaking out against what they see as a false narrative, while others criticize him for spreading misinformation and denying the reality of climate change.
Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Durr remains steadfast in his beliefs and continues to use his platform as a musician to spread his message. His fans appreciate his boldness and authenticity, while his critics condemn him for promoting dangerous ideas that could harm the environment and future generations.
As Durr’s tour continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the debate over climate change and the role of humans in shaping the environment is far from over. While some may see Durr as a hero for challenging mainstream narratives, others view him as a dangerous figure who is contributing to the spread of misinformation. Only time will tell how his message will be received in the long run.
