Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock Says Cost of Living Is South Jersey's Biggest Challenge

As he campaigns for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District seat, Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock says one issue rises above all others in conversations with voters across South Jersey: the rising cost of living.

Speaking on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick, Mullock said residents from every corner of the sprawling congressional district consistently tell him they're struggling with the cost of housing, insurance and everyday expenses.

"I mean, obviously the cost of living stuff is number one," Mullock said. "It almost sounds cliché right now to say that, but it is. That's what everybody's coming up with."

Mullock said younger adults face some of the toughest challenges, particularly those trying to buy their first home after entering adulthood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I talk to a lot of young people too... the average home buyer age is 40 years old," he said. "Things are very tough for this younger generation."

He said older homeowners are facing a different problem as soaring property values have driven up insurance costs, particularly in shore communities.

"You have these people that live there for a really long time... now they're required to have insurance on those homes where that insurance is valuing the home at $2 million," Mullock said. "They're thinking, 'I can't even afford the insurance.'"

To address the housing affordability crisis, Mullock said he would support restoring first-time homebuyer assistance programs that helped previous generations purchase homes.

"We've got to bring them back," he said. "That's how I bought my first house — $10,000 down, 3% down payment. That let me fix it up, and here we are."

Mullock said affordability extends beyond housing, noting that many families throughout South Jersey are struggling to make ends meet.

He pointed to poverty statistics discussed during the interview, including high housing costs for renters and economic challenges facing Atlantic and Cumberland counties.

"When you go around and talk to people... it is devastating when you see children that are in poverty right here in our community," he said.

Mullock said rebuilding the middle class should become a national priority.

"I think what has grown the middle class in the past? Low-cost energy, housing and good jobs," he said. "That is what grows the middle class."

The Democratic mayor is challenging Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew in the 2026 election for New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District.