Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, has defeated incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, according to projections from multiple outlets. The Associated Press called the race for Bennett at 9:48 p.m. Eastern, with 60% of the vote to Kean’s 38% when 65% of ballots were counted. Bennett’s victory marks a key flip for Democrats in their bid to retake control of the House.
Kean, who has served in Congress since 2022, was absent from Capitol Hill for four months earlier this year due to a hospitalization and diagnosis of depression. During his absence, he missed 140 votes, and his office initially described the issue only as a “personal medical issue” without further details. Kean returned to Washington in late June and delivered a floor speech acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of depression, stating, “There is no timeline for recovery.”
Bennett, who raised $8.2 million compared to Kean’s $5.9 million in total campaign funds, framed the race as a choice between transparency and secrecy. In a debate, she criticized Kean’s lack of disclosure during his absence, saying, “If I were in his position, I would have been more transparent.” Bennett also tied Kean to former President Donald Trump, whose approval ratings in the district have been low, and highlighted his vote for Trump’s economic policies.
Campaign shifts and political fallout
The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), withdrew support from Kean’s campaign weeks before the election, reallocating resources to other races. This move foreshadowed the outcome, as Kean was considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans on the ballot. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) campaigned with Bennett in the district, underscoring its importance in the broader House majority battle.
Kean, the son of former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean Sr., had previously flipped the district from Democrats in 2022. His absence and delayed disclosure sparked debate about how transparent elected officials should be regarding their health. In his return speech, Kean emphasized the severity of depression, saying, “Until you experience it yourself, it is difficult to fully understand how powerful this illness can be.”
District dynamics and broader implications
New Jersey’s 7th District, which includes Trump’s Bedminster golf course, has been a competitive swing district. Trump narrowly carried the district in 2024, but Democrats targeted it aggressively in this cycle. Bennett’s victory adds to a series of Republican-held seats that have flipped in recent elections, reflecting broader challenges for the GOP in maintaining its House majority. The race was called as Democrats sought to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s second term and internal Republican divisions.