Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Rebecca Bennett as New Jersey voters prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District has become one of the closely watched congressional races in the country, with both parties competing for a seat that could play a role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The district includes Hunterdon and Warren counties, along with parts of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties.
Rebecca Bennett Challenges Two-Term Incumbent
Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, won the Democratic primary in June and is challenging Kean, a Republican seeking his third term in Congress.
During an October 17 interview with News 12’s Power & Politics, Bennett discussed her campaign priorities, including the rising cost of living, government accountability, immigration enforcement, and the growing presence of artificial intelligence data centers.
She identified affordability as one of the major issues affecting families across the district.
Healthcare and the Economy Take Center Stage
Healthcare has become another major point of disagreement between the candidates.
Both acknowledge the need to make healthcare more affordable, but they differ over federal spending, Medicaid, and the government’s role in providing coverage.
Bennett has criticized Republican-backed changes to Medicaid, while Kean has defended his approach to lowering costs and supporting families through tax relief.
Immigration, housing costs, jobs, and federal economic policies are also shaping the campaign.
A District That Has Changed Hands
New Jersey’s 7th District has shifted between Democratic and Republican representation in recent election cycles.
Kean defeated Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski in 2022 and won reelection in 2024.
Now Democrats are seeking to regain the seat, while Republicans are working to maintain their representation in the district.
The race has drawn national attention because of the narrow balance of power in Congress.
Final Weeks Before Election Day
With Election Day approaching on November 3, both campaigns are making their final appeals to voters.
Recent reporting by NJ PBS and other New Jersey news organizations has highlighted the district’s competitive political landscape, with residents citing affordability, healthcare, immigration, and economic security among their concerns.
The outcome will be decided by voters in one of New Jersey’s most closely watched congressional contests this November.
Sources: News 12 | New Jersey Monitor | NJ PBS | WHYY
By NJ RADAR Team