Former Navy pilot Bennett wins New Jersey primary to face Kean in toss-up race

Rebecca Bennett, a former US Navy helicopter pilot, has won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, securing approximately 47.2 per cent of the vote. The result sets up a contest against Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr for one of the most competitive seats in the upcoming midterm elections, with independent analysts rating the race as a toss-up. Bennett’s victory marks a significant shift in a district that has changed party hands twice within the past eight years.

Kean, who is backed by President Donald Trump, ran unopposed in the Republican primary despite missing more than 100 House votes since early March due to an undisclosed illness. The incumbent stated he remains focused on his recovery and expects to return to in-person work within weeks, although he recently suggested the timeline might be longer than previously anticipated. His absence has drawn sharp criticism from Bennett, who called Kean a “coward” and accused him of failing constituents during an election night gathering in Somerville.

Bennett’s campaign centred on economic issues, arguing that higher grocery and gasoline prices linked to the US-Israel war on Iran and Trump’s tariffs were squeezing working families. She defeated three Democratic rivals, including Tina Shah, who received 20.2 per cent of the vote. The 7th Congressional District, which includes suburban communities, farm towns, and Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, has emerged as a key battleground for both parties.

Kean enters the general election with the full endorsement of President Trump, who reiterated his support on social media despite the congressman’s prolonged absence from Washington. Kean is the son of Thomas Kean, a former New Jersey governor and chair of the 9/11 Commission, and a descendant of William Livingston, the state’s first governor. The seat was previously held by Democrat Tom Malinowski, who was unseated by Kean in 2022 after defeating Republican Leonard Lance in 2018.

Voters in the district have a history of ousting incumbents in recent midterm elections, making this contest one of the most competitive House races in New Jersey. Bennett’s win positions her as a primary target for Democrats hoping to capture the House of Representatives. In other New Jersey primaries, Analilia Mejia won the Democratic nomination in the 11th District, and LaMonica McIver secured the nomination in the 10th District.