GOP candidate for Senate in New Jersey faced 2020 charges of DUI, leaving scene of accident

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey Republican candidate for U.S. Senate was arrested in August 2020 and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident, according to police reports that came to light Wednesday.

Alex Zdan, a former TV news reporter who launched a bid for the seat currently occupied by indicted Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, was driving his his pickup in Hopewell when he crossed the center lane and swiped another vehicle, damaging a mirror and the driver’s side of the vehicle, according to police report details published by Politico New Jersey.

Zdan left the scene, according to the police report, and was found parked in a convenience store lot. Officers determined he was involved in the accident, and he failed field sobriety tests and later blew a 0.25 on a breathalyzer test, more than three times the legal limit.

When asked if he was involved in an accident, he told an officer: “I don’t think so,” according to the report.

A message seeking comment was left with Zdan, who earlier this month said he wanted to disclose the DUI as the campaign moves closer to the June 4 primary.

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