LIVE BLOG: Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeats Republican Tom Kean, Jr. in NJ District 7, AP projects

NJ District 2 flipped?

Nov. 3, 2026, 11:37 p.m.

In a surprise flip, Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew concedes to Democrat Zack Mullock in NJ District 2. Final votes are still being counted.

Democrats flip New Jersey House seat held by Republican Tom Kean

Nov. 3, 2026, 11:35 p.m.

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Rebecca Bennett addresses supporters after being elected to NJ District 7

Nov. 3, 2026, 10:43 p.m.

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VOTE 2026

Nov. 3, 2026, 10:24 p.m.

Democrat Nelinda Pou wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 9th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 9:52 p.m.

Democrat Rebecca Bennett wins election to U.S. House in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press

Sen. Cory Booker addresses supporters following reelection to a third term

Nov. 3, 9:45 p.m.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 9:25 p.m.

Republican Christopher Smith wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 4th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 9:15 p.m.

Democrat Josh Gottheimer wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 5th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 9:08 p.m.

Democrat Frank Pallone wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

News 12's Christine Queally is at Rebecca Bennett's Election Day HQ

Nov. 3, 2026, 9 p.m.

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News 12's Tom Krosnowski is outside Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Election Day HQ

Nov. 3, 2026, 9 p.m.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:37 p.m

Democrat Herb Conaway wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:26 p.m

Democrat Adam Hamawy wins election to U.S. House in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:23 p.m

Democrat LaMonica McIver wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:22 p.m

Democrat Donald Norcross wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 1st Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:21 p.m.

Democrat Rob Menendez wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 8th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:20 p.m.

Democrat Analilia Mejia wins reelection to U.S. House in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

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Nov. 3, 2026, 8:19 p.m.

Democrat Cory Booker wins reelection to U.S. Senate from New Jersey, according to the Associated Press.

Control of Congress could hinge on the results of the race in New Jersey's 7th District

Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m.

By Chris Keating

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Congress is up for grabs this Election Day.

One of the closest races to watch could be in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. That’s where the incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. is taking on newcomer Democrat Rebecca Bennett. Kean is seeking his third term in Congress, while Bennett is running for her first job in public office.

Some voters in Westfield casting ballots in this election are well aware of the gravity and impact of their vote.

Democrat Rebecca Bennett hopes to unseat Republican Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. in NJ District 7

Nov. 3, 5:48 p.m.

By Christine Queally

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Democratic congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett entered Election Day with momentum in New Jersey's closely watched 7th District race, a contest viewed as one of the state's most competitive battlegrounds.

The district is considered a swing seat and one that could play a role in determining the balance of power in Congress.

Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is seeking another term, but recent polling shows Bennett gaining support heading into election night. A political newcomer, Bennett has centered her campaign on affordability issues, including the rising costs of health care and child care.

Several voters interviewed Tuesday said concerns about the cost of living were a major factor in their decision-making.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. fights for reelection in NJ District 7

Nov. 3, 5:38 p.m.

By Tom Krosnowski

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Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. is seeking a third term in office. He received his highest vote total in the last election of his three prior campaigns, but polling suggests a tighter race this year.

Kean is endorsed by President Donald Trump. Polling shows MAGA is deeply unpopular in New Jersey - around 10%.

Kean says he breaks with the president on local issues that matter - such as funding the Gateway Tunnel project and opposing the potential ICE warehouse in Roxbury.

But his nearly four-month absence from Congress - unexplained until his June return as a depression diagnosis - became a nationally recognized story, as no one, including his constituents, knew where he was.

News 12's Christine Queally is at Rebecca Bennett's Election Day HQ

Nov. 3, 5:35 p.m.

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News 12's Tom Krosnowski is outside Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Election Day HQ

Nov. 3, 4:37 p.m.

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DOJ launches largest election monitoring effort in its history, including Bergen, Middlesex and Union counties

Nov. 3, 12:45 p.m.

By Pedro Carmona

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The U.S. Department of Justice has launched the largest election monitoring effort in its history, deploying approximately 1,000 monitors and observers across all 50 states for Election Day.

The nationwide effort, coordinated by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, includes monitors on the ground in New Jersey’s Bergen, Middlesex and Union counties.

It marks the first time DOJ observers are present in every state to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws.

New Jersey voters head to the polls with closely watched congressional race on the ballot

Nov. 3, 12:36 p.m.

By Lauren Due

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Polls are open across New Jersey until 8 p.m. as voters head to the ballot box on Election Day.

Voters can still return mail-in ballots by having them postmarked by 8 p.m., placing them in a secure drop box by 8 p.m. or delivering them to their county board of elections office before the 8 p.m. deadline.

One of the state’s closely watched races is in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. faces Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett in a matchup that could help shape the balance of power in Washington.

Link: Vote 2026: New Jersey election voting guide

Link: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey on Election Day