Bob Hugin concedes defeat in New Jersey — but doesn’t concede his pharma background played a role

MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. — On election night, Bob Hugin insisted it wasn’t his past as a pharmaceutical executive that did him in.

Incessant attacks from his Democratic opponent, $3.5 million worth of ads labeling him “the guy who made a killing” by raising drug prices, and a pharma-focused interview on a nationally syndicated radio show beg to differ.

Hugin, who was running against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, lost by nine points in his bid for New Jersey’s Senate seat on Tuesday. He conceded early in the evening, telling a crowd of supporters dotted with red hats and blue shirts emblazoned with Hugin’s de facto campaign slogan — “send in a Marine” — that New Jersey deserved better. Springsteen blared. Fox News showed Elizabeth Warren’s face. The crowd booed. Hugin grabbed a Budweiser.

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