NEW JERSEY (KYW NEWSRADIO) — A political newcomer is feeling the scrutiny that comes with the job now that some of his past social media posts are in the spotlight. Edward Durr is the projected winner over long-serving state Senate President Steve Sweeney, and now he has some explaining to do.
Posts on Edward Durr's Facebook and Twitter pages contain inflammatory language toward Muslims, calling Islam a false religion and a cult of hate. In one post he said Islam is a cult of hate and that Mohammed was a pedophile.
In one response to a transgender woman calling for a world without prisons, Durr said she should be in one.
There is a controversial post about the deadly white supremicist Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, with Durr saying there were thugs on both sides.
Another post criticized Kamala Harris saying race and gender are the only reasons she is vice president.
The executive director of the council on American-Islamic Relations in New Jersey said it is sad to see commentary like this from someone elected to such a high position in the state. He says he hopes to have a chance to explain to Durr why his comments about Muslims are so hurtful.
Durr released a statement of apology for hurting anyone's feelings and said that he supports everyone’s rights and their freedom to worship the god of their choice.
"I'm a passionate guy and I sometimes say things in the heat of the moment. If I said things in the past that hurt anybody's feelings, I sincerely apologize," he wrote.
"I support everybody’s right to worship in any manner they choose and to worship the God of their choice. 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 has not responded to requests from KYW Newsradio for an interview.
Sweeney has not conceded to Durr.