NEW JERSEY — November 2, 2026 — Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett entered the final day of campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections with support from prominent New Jersey Democrats, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, as she seeks to unseat Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. in the state’s 7th Congressional District.
The contest has attracted statewide and national attention because it involves a Republican-held seat in a district where both major parties have demonstrated significant electoral support in recent years.
With Election Day scheduled for November 3, Bennett’s campaign has focused on voter outreach, affordability, healthcare, and the argument that New Jersey needs new representation in Congress.
Democratic Leaders Support Bennett’s Campaign
Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly expressed support for Bennett’s campaign, while Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim have participated in Democratic voter mobilization efforts across New Jersey.
Bennett also appeared with Senator Kim at a campaign rally on October 31 in Hunterdon County, according to an event organized by her campaign.
Their involvement reflects the attention Democratic leaders have devoted to the 7th Congressional District during the closing stages of the election.
Sherrill, who previously represented New Jersey in the U.S. House before becoming governor, has personal experience with competitive congressional campaigns in suburban districts.
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, also has a military background and has emphasized her experience in healthcare and leadership.
Bennett Challenges Kean for His Congressional Seat
Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is seeking a third term representing New Jersey’s 7th District.
Kean first won the seat in 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski.
He secured reelection in 2024 and has campaigned on his congressional record, economic policy, infrastructure, healthcare, and bipartisan cooperation.
Bennett, making her first run for Congress, has emphasized affordability, access to healthcare, childcare costs, and government accountability.
The candidates have sharply disagreed over federal healthcare policy and the consequences of recent changes to Medicaid funding.
Kean has defended his approach to federal spending and economic policy, while Bennett has criticized legislation she argues would increase financial pressure on working families.
Healthcare and Affordability Dominate the Campaign
Healthcare has become one of the central issues in the district.
New Jersey residents are facing rising health insurance costs, while changes to federal healthcare funding have generated concerns about coverage and hospital finances.
Bennett has argued that maintaining affordable healthcare should be a congressional priority.
Kean has emphasized efforts to reduce costs, strengthen healthcare access, and support policies he describes as fiscally responsible.
The candidates also differ on energy costs, federal taxation, and the role of government in addressing household expenses.
These issues are especially relevant in New Jersey, where housing costs, property taxes, transportation expenses, and insurance premiums remain major concerns.
Campaign Spending Reflects National Attention
The 7th District campaign has also attracted substantial spending from candidates and outside political organizations.
According to an October analysis published by Insider NJ, spending across New Jersey’s congressional races had exceeded $100 million, with the 7th District accounting for a significant portion of the total.
In mid-October, two major Republican-aligned political committees redirected planned spending away from Kean’s race.
Bennett’s campaign characterized the decision as a positive development for its efforts, while Kean’s representatives emphasized the resources already invested in supporting the incumbent.
Changes in outside spending can influence advertising exposure, but they do not establish how voters will ultimately cast their ballots.
A District With Diverse Political Communities
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District includes Hunterdon and Warren counties and portions of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties.
The district contains suburban communities, rural areas, and municipalities with different political and economic priorities.
Republicans have maintained an advantage in voter registration, but recent election results demonstrate that candidates from both major parties have attracted substantial support.
The general election ballot also includes Seamus Patrick O’Toole, running under the Stop Israel’s Genocide designation.
His participation gives voters a third option beyond the Democratic and Republican nominees.
The Final Decision Belongs to Voters
As campaigning concludes, both Bennett and Kean are seeking support from voters concerned about economic security, healthcare, federal government priorities, and representation in Washington.
The participation of prominent political leaders underscores the national attention surrounding this congressional contest.
However, campaign endorsements, fundraising, and voter registration statistics cannot determine the outcome before ballots are counted.
On November 3, voters in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District will decide whether to return Tom Kean Jr. to Congress for another term or elect a new representative.
Sources: Insider NJ, November 1, 2026; Rebecca Bennett Campaign Rally with Senator Andy Kim; ABC7 New York; New Jersey Monitor; Official New Jersey Candidate List.
By NJ RADAR Team