We’ll be honest: We did not expect Cory to become the subject of Jesse Watters’ latest Fox News rant.

But here we are.

Last week, Jesse Watters went on television and said he might have to run for Senate in New Jersey — against Cory — because, in his words, he would “beat the pants off” him.

Really? Really.

This is the same Jesse Watters who has built a career out of sneering at people from a cable-news desk. The same guy who once thought it was funny to tell America a story about letting the air out of a woman’s tires so she would need a ride from him, and then later claimed it was all a joke.

And now he thinks New Jersey should hand him a Senate seat.

We believe public service is serious. We believe New Jersey deserves leaders who show up — not people who parachute in with insults, grievance, and Fox News bigotry.

Jesse Watters can take all the shots he wants at Cory from his pundit’s chair. But we know what this fight is really about.

It’s about whether we are going to defend voting rights, lower costs for working families, protect access to healthcare, and build a government rooted in integrity, compassion, and service.

It’s about whether we are going to take back the Senate from extremists who answer to Donald Trump, billionaire donors, and the loudest voices on right-wing television.

And yes — it’s about whether New Jersey is going to be represented by someone who loves this state, or someone who thinks public office is just another TV segment.

We know which side Cory is on in this fight. If you’re on our side too, chip in $10 right now to help us fight back, win re-election, and flip the Senate blue.

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

Cory has never been afraid of bullies. Not when they come from Washington. Not when they come from cable news. Not when they try to divide us by race, party, geography, or fear.

So if Jesse Watters wants to run, that is his decision.

But Cory is not backing down. Cory is not going anywhere. And with you standing with us, we know we can meet this moment with strength, hope, and love.

Team Booker