Rebecca Bennett wins Dem primary, will challenge Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in November.

Bennett advances after running a moderate campaign and now faces a Republican incumbent whose extended absence from Congress has become a focal point of the race.

Rebecca Bennett, a Democrat running for their party’s nomination in the 7th District House race, appears for a debate at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)

Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, has won the Democratic primary and will take on Republican Rep…