News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Weather
Crime
Politics
Toll of Commuting
Fair or Mostly Clear
61°
Local
Weather
Crime
Politics
Toll of Commuting

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

Newcomer, Democrat Rebecca Bennett will try and take down the incumbent Republican Tom Kean Jr. The 7th Congressional District was traditionally red in past years but is now seen as a swing district.

Chris Keating

•

Nov 3, 2026, 6:19 PM

•

Updated

Share:

More Stories

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.

“I think there is a tremendous amount on the line right, so I gave it a good deal of thought and I voted my conscience," said Maxine Feinberg.

Others who spoke to News 12 outside the Westfield Public Library didn’t hesitate to tell what’s on their mind or who they voted for.

“I just wanted to make sure that the Democrats won," said Matt Salvo.

“If you have any sense, you’ll vote Republican," said Chuck Connors

In political ads, Kean offered up his father, former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean, Sr., as an asset while pushing a pro-President Donald Trump agenda.

Kane, has faced backlash for his absence from Congress. He missed four months of work, including 100 votes, before revealing he was being treated for depression.

As for Bennett - the former Navy pilot, who moved into healthcare and now lives in Bridgewater - she has focused on reducing the cost of living, whether it be gas or groceries, while being critical of the war with Iran.

The 7thDistrict has around 19,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats. However, voters in the district supported Democrat Mikie Sherrill in her bid for governor.

Top Stories

Vote 2026

Vote 2026: New Jersey Election Day Blog

02:03
REchriselectioncoverage_2026-11-03-17-24-11

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

02:08
RizzoSM4

17-day dry spell ends as rain targets New Jersey

00:24
AP25230554957594

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

Vote 2026

Vote 2026: New Jersey election voting guide

01:51
Middletown PKG TN

Middletown parents question response to school trespassing case

CargoNickPkg0510NJLE_subclip_2024-05-10-06-20-10_05-16-02,15

Gov. Sherrill warns N.J. port operators against unloading ‘illegal’ Russian fuel shipments

01:45
RideSafeInitiative - 5PM_2026-11-03-17-19-50

Bridgewater police turn safe riding into a tasty reward

00:32
Piscataway PD Shooting TN

Grand jury declines to charge Piscataway officer in fatal shooting of 29-year-old man

01:25
JCPDTrafficEnforcementUp - 5PM_2026-11-03-17-12-25

Summonses jump 81% in first week after Jersey City doubles traffic enforcement unit

AP24318538927299

Person struck by Amtrak train near New Brunswick station

Fair Lawn Fatal Ped 1

Pennsylvania woman fatally struck by vehicle on Route 4 in Fair Lawn

Water drone training

Passaic advances river safety measures following children’s drowning deaths

00:49
Oradell Firefighter TN Raw

River Edge, Oradell rally around firefighter’s family after wife’s sudden death

00:16
Screenshot 2026-11-03 124131

Overturned tractor-trailer snarls traffic along Route 440 in Bayonne

AP26181859854454

Passaic weighs firefighter ticketing powers after chief says blocked hydrants delayed response

Dundee Island Groundbreaking

Passaic County breaks ground on pedestrian bridge connecting Passaic, Garfield

00:19
CardinalTobinSurgery1103NJTA_2026-11-03-06-31-07

Cardinal Tobin returns home following procedure to remove kidney mass

ICE ARREST MONITOR copy

Paterson man charged with illegally voting in 2022 election, lying on citizenship application

01:42
Screenshot 2026-11-03 053033

Phillips 66 workers reach tentative 7-year deal, but return-to-work date becomes new sticking point

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices