TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — On Tuesday, Democrats in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District will select their nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress for several months due to an unspecified medical issue. The district is considered a battleground and includes suburban towns as well as rolling farmland, notably featuring one of former President Donald Trump's golf clubs.
The primary race is the most high-profile in New Jersey, with four Democratic candidates vying to take on Kean, who is expected to seek a third term. His prolonged absence—his last vote was recorded in early March—has heightened interest in the race, as Democrats see the seat as crucial for regaining control of the narrowly divided House of Representatives. Historically, voters in this district have removed two incumbents during midterm elections over the last decade.
The Democratic contenders include Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot reminiscent of Gov. Mikie Sherrill; Michael Roth, a former Small Business Administration official; Tina Shah, an intensive care unit doctor; and Brian Varela, a businessman who has garnered support from progressive organizations. The competition has been intense, with each candidate raising over a million dollars and navigating the delicate balance of appealing to the party's base while also attracting independent voters in the general election.
Bennett's campaign has faced criticism from a political action committee that has spent about $650,000 attacking her from the left. She suspects the group, whose contributors remain undisclosed, may be Republican-backed and aiming to undermine her campaign in anticipation of a stronger challenge in the general election.
Democratic candidates are emphasizing the rising costs of groceries and gasoline, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran and Trump's tariff policies. They are placing the blame on Republicans and specifically on Kean, asserting he does not represent the interests of the district, partly referencing his support for Trump's significant tax cut legislation.
Kean's absence from congressional duties has raised eyebrows, as he mentioned on social media last month that he is addressing a "personal medical issue," yet provided no additional details. His staff has refrained from offering further information. The district was reconfigured following the latest census to lean more Republican; however, it has seen swings in party representation in recent years. Kean previously defeated incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2022, while Malinowski had ousted Republican Rep. Leonard Lance in 2018.
Also attracting attention on Tuesday is a Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat. The GOP has struggled in New Jersey since its candidate for governor, supported by Trump, lost by a significant margin last year. Voters will choose among four candidates: attorney Justin Murphy, surgeon Robert Lebovics, Army veteran Richard Tabor, and former TV reporter Alex Zdan. The winner will face Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, who is campaigning for a full third term.
In southern New Jersey's 2nd District, Rep. Jeff Van Drew is looking for a fifth term. Initially elected as a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party during Trump's administration. Meanwhile, Rep. Bonnie Watson's retirement from the heavily Democratic 12th District has resulted in a crowded primary for her successor.
Dr. Adam Hamawy, a surgeon and Army veteran, has gained traction in the Democratic primary thanks to endorsements from progressive figures, including independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. Nevertheless, some of his rivals have begun to critique him over past connections to Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, a blind Egyptian cleric convicted in 1995 of conspiracy to orchestrate bombings, particularly focusing on Hamawy's role as a defense witness in the sheik's trial. While he has condemned violence and distanced himself from Abdel-Rahman during his campaign, this association remains a point of contention.
In northern New Jersey's 9th District, Republicans are set to nominate a challenger for first-term Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou, with a competitive field that includes attorney Tiffany Burress and Clifton City Councilwoman Rosie Pino. Pou's victory margin in 2024 was narrower than that of her long-serving predecessor, Rep. Bill Pascrell, coinciding with Trump's gain in a county within the district.
