Rabbi Shmuley Boteach won't be giving up his writing career for a stint on Capitol Hill.
Incumbent Democrat Rep. Bill Pascrell was projected the winner in New Jersey's 9th Congressional District Tuesday night with 77 percent of the vote with just 26 percent of the vote counted, according to North Jersey.com as of 10 p.m.
"I bow to the majesty of the democratic process," Rabbi Boteach told The Jewish Week in a telephone interview shortly after his concession speech. "Bill Pascrell is my congressman."
"I ran to focus on universal Jewish values and positions … The journey has been a tremendous one. I connected with communities in one of the most diverse districts in the country."
Pascrell won a primary battle against another Democrat, Steve Rothman to face Republican Rabbi Boteach, who attacked Pascrell for having signed a letter in the House criticizing Israel's blockade of Gaza.
Rabbi Boteach received $10,000 from conservative casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam. The couple also gave $1 million to a PAC supporting Rabbi Boteach.
But Pascrell prevailed by stressing his history in elected politics in eight terms in the House and as mayor of Paterson. The district includes the heavily Jewish enclaves of Passaic, Engelwood and Teaneck.
Rabbi Boteach said he did not rule out a future political campaign.
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