Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett faced off Sunday night in their first and only scheduled debate in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, drawing clear differences on Iran, taxes, affordability, Israel, artificial intelligence and the role of Congress.
The 90-minute debate was hosted by the New Jersey Globe and Rider University. NJ-7 remains one of New Jersey’s most closely watched congressional districts heading into the November election.
Iran Produces One of the Sharpest Divides
Foreign policy produced some of the clearest differences of the night.
Kean defended the U.S. military campaign against Iran and argued that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. He also defended his opposition to requiring a separate congressional vote to authorize the current conflict.
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, opposed the war and said the United States should have pursued diplomacy first.
She also connected the conflict to domestic economic pressures, arguing that the war was contributing to higher gasoline and grocery prices.
“What this war is doing is make us less safe and less secure,” Bennett said.
Affordability and Taxes Take Center Stage
Economic issues were another major focus.
Kean defended the Republican tax and spending law and highlighted provisions affecting tips, overtime pay, senior citizens and the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT.
He also pointed to his role in increasing the SALT deduction limit, an issue of particular importance in high-tax states such as New Jersey.
Bennett argued that the country is facing a cost-of-living crisis and said she would reverse tax reductions benefiting the wealthiest taxpayers, using the revenue to reduce health insurance premiums and cap child-care costs.
“We are living through a cost of living crisis,” she said repeatedly during the debate.
Trump’s Presidency Looms Over the Race
President Donald Trump was repeatedly part of the discussion, even though he was not on the stage.
Kean emphasized his willingness to oppose the White House when he believes New Jersey’s interests are at stake. He cited his efforts to protect federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel project after Trump sought to cut the funding.
“I will challenge anybody who gets in my way, including this president,” Kean said.
Bennett focused more heavily on Kean’s congressional votes, financial holdings and campaign contributions than on directly tying him to Trump throughout the debate.
Israel and a Two-State Solution
Both candidates said they support an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but they differed sharply over the current Israeli government.
Bennett criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach and argued that Washington should hold Israel to the same standards it applies to other U.S. allies.
Kean strongly defended Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and said the United States should continue supporting Israel militarily and politically.
Different Views on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence also produced a policy divide.
Bennett called for national regulation of AI, while Kean warned against a large federal government role in regulating the technology, arguing that excessive restrictions could weaken the United States in its technological competition with China.
Both Oppose Proposed Roxbury ICE Facility
The candidates found some common ground on a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Roxbury.
Kean said for the first time that he opposes opening the facility in a warehouse there.
Bennett said she has opposed the proposal because local officials and residents do not want the detention center in the community.
Kean Addresses His Months-Long Absence
The debate also touched on Kean’s extended absence from Congress earlier this year while he received medical treatment.
Bennett did not make the issue a major line of attack and told Kean she was glad he had been able to receive treatment.
Kean described the situation as a medical emergency and said his office kept constituents informed during his absence.
A Clear Policy Contrast Before November
The debate did not center on one single issue. Instead, it highlighted a series of substantial differences between the candidates.
Kean defended much of the Republican economic and foreign-policy agenda while emphasizing areas where he has challenged the Trump administration on New Jersey priorities.
Bennett emphasized affordability, congressional oversight, diplomacy and stronger regulation in areas such as artificial intelligence.
With no additional debate currently scheduled, Sunday night may have been the only opportunity for voters to see the two candidates directly challenge each other before the November election.
Sources: New Jersey Globe, Rider University / NJ-7 Debate
By NJ RADAR Team