October 17, 2026 — Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett raised nearly four times as much campaign money as Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. during the third quarter of 2026, but the incumbent still has more cash available as the November 3 election approaches.
The latest Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reveal a significant difference in fundraising and spending strategies in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
According to New Jersey Monitor, Bennett raised approximately $3.9 million between July 1 and September 30, compared with $974,612 raised by Kean.
Despite Bennett’s fundraising advantage, Kean has maintained larger financial reserves.
Campaign Fundraising and Spending
During the third quarter, Bennett’s campaign spent more than $3.6 million, while Kean spent approximately $2.3 million.
Across the entire 2025–2026 election cycle, Bennett has raised approximately $8.2 million, compared with $5.9 million raised by Kean.
However, Bennett has also spent considerably more.
By the end of September, Kean reported having nearly $2.3 million in cash reserves, compared with approximately $1.7 million for Bennett.
The figures highlight an important distinction between money raised and money available for the final weeks of campaigning.
Outside Groups Play a Major Role
Kean has also benefited from substantial financial support from outside political organizations.
According to reported campaign finance records, at least $4.8 million in independent expenditures has been directed toward supporting Kean or opposing Bennett.
Much of that spending came from Land I Love PAC, which received significant financial backing from the Republican Congressional Leadership Fund.
Other organizations supporting Kean have included Elon Musk’s America PAC and Trump-aligned political action committees.
Bennett has also received support from outside groups, including organizations focused on voter outreach, advertising, and campaign canvassing, although reported independent spending benefiting her campaign has been substantially smaller.
Unlike direct campaign contributions, independent expenditures are made by outside organizations and are not controlled by the candidates’ campaigns.
A Closely Watched Congressional Contest
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is one of the state’s most closely watched races in the 2026 midterm elections.
Kean, a former New Jersey state lawmaker, first won the congressional seat in 2022 and is seeking another term.
Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, is challenging him as the Democratic nominee.
The two campaigns have exchanged criticism over healthcare, congressional attendance, and public accountability.
Meanwhile, outside political organizations have devoted significant resources to advertising and voter mobilization.
Final Weeks Before Election Day
With Election Day scheduled for November 3, the candidates are entering the final weeks of their campaigns with different financial advantages.
Bennett has demonstrated greater fundraising strength during the latest reporting period, while Kean retains more unspent campaign funds.
The financial reports do not, by themselves, establish which candidate will receive more votes.
The latest figures illustrate how campaign fundraising, spending decisions, and outside political organizations are shaping one of New Jersey’s closely watched congressional contests.
Sources: New Jersey Monitor | Federal Election Commission (FEC)
By NJ RADAR Team