Democrat Rebecca Bennett Flips New Jersey's 7th Congressional District

Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare professional, won the race for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District on Tuesday. Bennett secured 62% of the vote, defeating Republican incumbent Thomas H. Kean Jr., who received 37%. The victory flips a seat previously held by the Republicans and ends a political dynasty that included Kean's father, former Governor Tom Kean Sr.

The campaign centered on Kean's absence from Washington between March 5 and June 30, 2026, during which he missed over 100 roll call votes. Kean later disclosed that he had been receiving inpatient hospital treatment for depression. Democrats attacked Kean's lack of transparency regarding the medical leave, while Bennett campaigned on the need for greater openness from elected officials and focused on healthcare policy.

While Bennett advocated for ending the U.S. military conflict in Iran, Kean focused his platform on U.S. energy independence. He campaigned for reduced regulations on oil and natural gas and the cessation of diesel exports. The race, which the Cook Political Report had previously rated as a toss-up, is viewed as an early indicator of partisan fortunes in Congress.