AP Photo/Matt Rourke
- A New Jersey state senator-elect had a Twitter feed full of bigot statements.
- Edward Durr has since deleted his profile and issued an apology.
- The state senator-elect, who previously worked as a truck driver, ousted state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Political newcomer Edward Durr won in his New Jersey state Senate race. His victory subsequently uncovered a history of misogynistic, racist, and xenophobic comments on his social media.
New Jersey Senator-elect Durr, who is a Republican, tweeted the motto for the far-right group QAnon, referred to coronavirus as the "the China virus," and said an "influx of #illegalAliens" were responsible for disease spread, The Washington Post first reported.
"Only fools follow Muslim teachings! It is a cult of hate!" Durr wrote in a 2019 tweet, according to Newsweek. He also referred to Islam as a "false religion" and prophet Muhammad as a "pedophile."
Durr, who previously worked as a truck driver with no previous experience in office, beat incumbent state Senate President Steve Sweeney in a surprise political upset. Sweeney, who was known as "the second most powerful man in New Jersey," according to The New York Times, conceded on Wednesday.
Durr, who campaigned for a seat in the state assembly in 2017 and in 2019, didn't receive any public criticism for his bigoted statements until after he was elected earlier this week, The Post reported.
He has since deleted his Twitter as well as his Facebook.
"I'm a passionate guy and I sometimes say things in the heat of the moment," Durr said in a statement, according to WPVI. "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," he added. "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 did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.