SOMERS POINT, NJ — Last night Bayly Winder, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 2nd District, hosted Healthcare Voices, a healthcare-focused town hall, at the VFW Hall in Somers Point. The event brought together patients, providers, and community leaders to highlight the devastating impact of Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s votes to gut healthcare funding and raise premiums on South Jersey families.

Panelists included Dr. Jeanne Rowe, former Chief Medical Officer at Shore Medical Center, Dr. Lynn Helmer, physician and medical director, and Don Campbell, a local advocate for people living with disabilities. They joined Winder in charting a path forward for more affordable, effective, and accessible care in South Jersey.

Bayly Winder is running on South Jersey frustration over Van Drew’s vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill act, which gutted Medicaid and will raise premiums. Unlike Van Drew, Winder is holding in-person town halls and roundtables to engage voters. Nationwide, Democrats are using this approach as Republicans avoid public scrutiny.

“Jeff Van Drew swore he’d never cut Medicaid and protect healthcare access, but his record shows the opposite—higher premiums and more of our neighbors without coverage,” said Winder. “This isn’t about cost savings, this isn’t about fiscal responsibility. This is about cruelty. This bill was passed so billionaires can get a tax cut at the expense of South Jersey families.”

Van Drew spent weeks lying to South Jerseyans when he promised he would protect Medicaid, but then voted for the largest cuts in history. Van Drew’s vote cut nearly $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and CHIP, eliminated premium tax credits, and rolled back Medicare drug negotiations, driving up costs for South Jersey families and seniors. Winder is calling for restored funding, lower premiums, and expanded access to care. The campaign is gaining momentum as frustration grows over Van Drew’s record.