Democrats Vote In Primary To Challenge Ailing Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
Democrats in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District held a primary on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to pick a challenger to Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.[1]
Four Democrats — Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah and Brian Varela — competed in the contest, and each reported raising more than $1 million.[1] A political action committee with undisclosed donors spent about $650,000 attacking Bennett from the left during the primary.[1]
Tom Kean Jr. has not cast a House vote since early March 2026 and says he is dealing with a personal medical issue.[1] His prolonged absence from the House has reshaped the race and given Democrats a chance to contest a seat Republicans have held.
The primary winner will advance to the November general election to face Kean, and his health and time away from Washington are expected to be central themes in the fall campaign.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Democrats are holding a primary in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District to pick a challenger to Rep. Tom Kean Jr.
- Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. has not cast a House vote since early March 2026 and says he is dealing with a personal medical issue.
- Democratic candidates are Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah, and Brian Varela, all of whom have raised seven-figure sums.
- A political action committee with undisclosed donors has spent about $650,000 attacking Bennett from the left during the primary.
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