Mail-in and early voting have begun in the Garden State in advance of Nov. 3 Election Day. Twelve Congressional seats and one Senate seat are on the ballots. Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash.
By Ryan Conway
NJ State House News Service
At the midway point of President Donald Trump’s second term, voters across the nation and in New Jersey will get the chance to determine which party controls each chamber of Congress next year, and whether significant checks will be placed on Trump’s power.
In the Garden State, 12 seats in the House of Representatives, along with one Senate seat, are on the ballot. While a majority of the House races will be anticlimactic, a few in New Jersey have the potential to swing the power of the House, as Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-214 majority.
Historically, the party in power loses seats at the midway point, and Trump’s historic unpopularity could make things even trickier for Republicans as they try to maintain a trifecta in Washington. Decision Desk HQ’s forecast currently gives Democrats a 79% chance of claiming the House back, with a 57% chance of swiping the Senate as well.
The following races could play a significant role in who controls Congress, come January. Early and mail-in voting has begun for New Jerseyans, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
U.S. Senate – Cory Booker (D-incumbent) vs Justin Murphy (R)
New Jersey has a U.S. Senate seat on the ballot, but it isn’t much of a race due to the statewide partisan lean.
Sen. Cory Booker is up for a third term of office and is expected to cruise to victory. The former mayor of Newark also has future presidential aspirations. Booker said that he wouldn’t rule it out in an appearance on Meet the Press earlier this year and that he would likely make a decision following this year’s election. It wouldn’t be the first time Booker entered the presidential race, as he took a stab at the White House in 2020 but dropped out in January of that year.
Former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Murphy won the Republican primary with 33.4% of the vote in June. Murphy is considered a longshot to unseat Booker.
Murphy has described himself as a supporter of Trump and his policies. His website states that he wants to “promote rather than restrict” energy production and that legalizing marijuana will lead to “one of the most egregious tragedies inflicted on America’s youth.”
Booker debated Murphy on Oct. 8 at Rider University. The Senate ballot also features Veronica Fernandez of the End the Corruption Party, and Joanne Kuniansky of the Socialist Workers Party, neither of whom were invited to participate in the debate.
| Issue | Booker (D-incumbent) | Murphy (R) |
| Economy | Booker criticized Trump for failing to address the housing affordability crisis | Wants to abolish the IRS, implement a flat income tax and a balanced budget Constitutional amendment |
| Immigration | Introduced legislation to restrict ICE after the killing of Alex Pretti in January in Minneapolis | Wants to finish building the U.S-Mexico border wall and blames the Biden administration for failing to secure the border |
| Data centers/AI | Introduced legislation focused on requiring corporations to pay for expansion of data centers | Said data centers should be built underground and on military installations so “no one has to look at them” |
| Gaza | Had consistently voted in favor of arms sales to Israel but reversed course in April | Called the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel an act of “radical islamic terrorism” and said that America faces threats from Iran |
| Donald Trump | Harsh critic of Trump, and delivered a 25 hour filibuster speech in April 2025 in protest of his administration | Describes himself as a supporter of Trump, though Trump made no formal endorsement |
| Vaccines | Voted against confirming RFK as HHS secretary | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Opposed the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade landmark decision | Described himself as pro-life, with exceptions for rape and incest |
NJ-01 – Rep. Donald Norcross (D-incumbent) vs Damon Galdo (R)
Rep. Donald Norcross has been in office since late 2014, and shouldn’t have much to sweat in this election.
NJ-01 is considered one of New Jersey’s safe blue seats, and Norcross, who had served in the State Assembly and State Senate before joining Congress 12 years ago, has never finished with less than 57% of the vote.
His opponent, Damon Galdo, previously ran for this seat in 2024 and in 2022 but flopped in the Republican primary both times. Galdo hosts the Jersey SURE podcast, a conservative talk show.
| Issue | Norcross (D-incumbent) | Galdo (R) |
| Economy | Said that Trump has failed on his pledge to lower costs | Pledged to “reduce unnecessary federal spending” |
| Immigration | Stated that ICE is “out of control” and demands accountability | Criticized Biden and Norcross for allowing an open border, alleging it led to a rise in fentanyl coming to the states |
| Data centers/AI | Believes that AI development will require guardrails and shouldn’t be used to undermine workers | Said he’s sick of data centers and the “enormous energy bills” he’s said they cause |
| Gaza | Initially supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but believes the White House has not been transparent about the war | Supports Israel and said that the modern Democratic Party is about antisemitism |
| Donald Trump | Blamed Trump for “accelerated inflation” and has heavily criticized the president | Has supported Trump |
| Vaccines | Believes RFK has attacked the nation’s health | Praised RFK for being willing to “go against Big Pharma” |
| Abortion | Called the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 “disgraceful,” wants to codify abortion rights into law | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ-02 – Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-incumbent) vs Zack Mullock (D)
Democrats nationwide are increasingly optimistic about their chances in November, and they’re now expanding their horizons to potentially knock out a friend-turned-foe.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added NJ-02 to its list of targets. Rep. Jeff Van Drew was first elected in 2019 as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party after opposing the first impeachment of Trump.
Van Drew has become a close ally to Trump, voting to overturn the 2020 election which Trump lost. Van Drew has also supported the war in Iran.
His opponent is current Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock. Mullock’s website states that he supports Medicare for all and wants to “end unlimited dark money” in elections.
While Democrats are hoping to flip Van Drew’s seat, the odds are still against them. Decision Desk estimates that Van Drew has about a 74% chance of protecting the seat. Van Drew and Mullock debated on October 22 at Stockton University.
| Issue | Van Drew (R-incumbent) | Mullock (D) |
| Economy | Aspires to bring manufacturing back to South Jersey and calls for tax reform to benefit middle class families | Calls for a tax system that will hold “corporations and the wealthiest accountable” and that there is currently more income and wealth inequality than in the country’s history |
| Immigration | Believes a “broken immigration system” has made the American Dream less attainable and that the U.S. must strengthen its border | Criticized ICE after the killing of Alex Pretti in January |
| Data centers/AI | Said that residents should not be on the hook for construction of data centers | Said that people have “not been told the truth” regarding Vineland’s data center project |
| Gaza | Declared support for Israel and criticized Democrats who he says have turned their backs | Criticized Van Drew for continuously voting for the war in Iran |
| Donald Trump | First elected as a Democrat in 2019, Van Drew switched to the Republican Party after voting against the first impeachment of Trump | Said that Trump has repeatedly violated the constitution |
| Vaccines | Supported immunization efforts but called vaccine mandates “authoritarian” | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Praised the Supreme Court for sending abortion rights back to the states | Said he would protect women’s rights to make healthcare decisions with their doctors |
NJ-03 – Rep. Herbert Conaway Jr. (D-incumbent) vs Michael McGuire (R)
Freshman Congressman Herbert Conaway Jr. is running for a second term in office, and is likely going to walk to re-election. Conaway, who succeeded Andy Kim when he ran for U.S. Senate, won by nearly 30 percent in 2024.
His opponent, Michael McGuire, is a former New York City police officer who also served twice as a U.S. Marine.
| Issue | Conaway (D-incumbent) | McGuire (R) |
| Economy | Believes there is a “shamefully large gap” between rich and poor | Said that New Jersey is at “ground zero of the affordability crisis” |
| Immigration | Criticized Trump administration’s lack of transparency on a detention center plan | Previously slammed Conaway for opposing ICE and Delaney Hall |
| Data centers/AI | Said federal oversight is necessary, but has spoken cautiously about proposed moratoriums on new data centers | Has not spoken publicly for or against data center development |
| Gaza | Expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, which led to a protest at a 2025 town hall | Praised Trump’s decision to attack Iran |
| Donald Trump | Said that Trump has laid out a “dystopian vision” for America | Supporter of Trump |
| Vaccines | Opposed RFK’s nomination to HHS Secretary, believes vaccines save lives | Criticized Conaway for pushing people to get vaccinated |
| Abortion | Called it “the utmost importance” that Roe v. Wade abortion protections are codified into law | Committed to “protecting the unborn, defending parental rights, and fighting for the sanctity of life in Washington.” |
NJ-04 – Rep. Chris Smith (R-incumbent) vs Rachel Peace (D)
In a sea of deep blue districts, NJ-04 is widely expected to be won by the Republican incumbent.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith has been in Congress for over 45 years, and has long been credited for his loyalty to his constituents. Smith, now 73, is running for his 24th term in Congress, and doesn’t seem to have much of a fight on his hands: He nabbed more than two-thirds of the vote in his most recent election.
His long-shot opponent, Rachel Peace, a small-business owner, has never held elected office and said she is campaigning as a “regular person” as opposed to a career politician.
| Issue | Smith (R-incumbent) | Peace (D) |
| Economy | Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shaped Trump’s tax and budget policies | Believes the cost of living is too high and unaffordable |
| Immigration | Voted for legislation that would give illegal immigrants working in agriculture a path to proper citizenship | Favors modernizing and simplifying legal immigration application processes |
| Data centers/AI | Backed a bill that would protect citizens from rising utility fees due to data centers | Supports regulation on AI and calls for government oversight |
| Gaza | Supports US involvement in Iran and is a member of the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus | Has not spoken publicly for or against the U.S’s activity in the Middle East |
| Donald Trump | Was endorsed by Trump for re-election; has supported the president | Opposes Trump and says his administration has reached “new heights of corruption” |
| Vaccines | Introduced legislation that would reinstate military members who failed to comply with Biden’s vaccine mandate | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Said Planned Parenthood has “killed more than 10.6 million babies” and opposes abortion | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ-05 – Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-incumbent) vs Sean Kirrane (R)
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer is seeking a sixth term in Congress. Gottheimer ran for governor last year, though he flamed out in the Democratic party primary.
He’ll face off against Republican challenger Sean Kirrane, a River Vale AI company founder.
| Issue | Gottheimer (D-incumbent) | Kirrane (R) |
| Economy | Pushes for middle class tax cuts, capping drug costs, and expanding the child tax credit | Fiscally conservative and advocates for lowering taxes for the middle class |
| Immigration | Gottheimer is critical of ICE and has spoken out against conditions in Delaney Hall. | Believes in border security and legal immigration |
| Data centers/AI | Gottheimer is critical of unregulated AI development. He isn’t opposed to data centers per se, but he does state they must exist only in communities that want them | Hasn’t commented on data centers explicitly but has extremely close links to the AI industry, and advocates for safeguards against rogue AI |
| Gaza | Highly supportive of Israel, even calls out fellow Democrats criticizing Israeli actions | Supportive of Israel |
| Donald Trump | Says Trump causes chaos and his tariffs must be stopped | Didn’t vote in the 2024 presidential election but said he previously voted for and supports Trump. |
| Vaccines | Strongly supports immunization programs. | No comment directly on vaccines but has received support from candidates against mandatory vaccination. |
| Abortion | Supports abortion and introduced legislation to fight bans on abortion pills | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ-06 – Rep. Frank Pallone (D-incumbent) vs. Hillary Herzig (R)
Democrat U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, representing District 6 will look to beat his Republican adversary Hillary Herzig. Pallone has been the District’s long-standing representative since 1993, and has established credibility with his position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Herzig on the other hand has experience in Civil Service within the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Herzig has had a clear path to challenge Pallone, as she ran unopposed, but Pallone has significantly outraised Herzig.
| Issue | Pallone (D-incumbent) | Herzig (R) |
| Economy | Concerned with the economy and advocates for raising wages | Herzig says she wants to lower income and property taxes |
| Immigration | Supports legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented who have been here for a period of time and paid their taxes. He also has been an outspoken critic of Delaney Hall and ICE | Herzig is for a “secure” and “fair” immigration system. She is for legal immigration and wants to bring a reformed immigration process to Washington |
| Data centers/AI | Stated that is against AI data centers and the rapid rise of these centers as well. | Criticized Pallone’s usage of AI video for social media content |
| Gaza | Strongly supports Israel and is very opposed to the Iran war. Has also supported a ceasefire with the Israel-Hamas war | Has not spoken publicly over Middle Eastern conflict |
| Donald Trump | Focused on using legislation and the courts to fight Trump administration policies that spark “corruption and chaos” | Critic of Trump’s Iran war |
| Vaccines | Against MAHA policies of the Trump administration | Stated she is for “medical freedom” pertaining to vaccines and called the Covid mandate “medical tyranny” |
| Abortion | Supported legislation helping women with protecting abortion rights. | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ-07 – Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-incumbent) vs Rebecca Bennett (D)
Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has a tough task ahead of him trying to hang on to the seat.
Kean faced immense scrutiny earlier this year for disappearing from Congress for over 100 days, without disclosing why or when he would return. Kean returned in June, saying he was hospitalized for depression. Kean was still paid for the 116 days he missed, despite voting against several bills regarding paid sick leave in Congress and the New Jersey legislature.
Kean had a tight race ahead of him regardless, as he won by less than 5.5% in each of his two NJ-07 victories. Decision Desk estimates that Kean has just a 15% chance of winning re-election.
His opponent, Rebecca Bennett, previously worked as a healthcare executive and also served in the U.S. Navy. Kean and Bennett debated in Rahway on September 27.
| Issue | Kean (R) | Bennett (D) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Introduced legislation that would implement tax deductibles for commuters | Criticized Kean for voting in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill |
| Immigration | Opposed a recent Roxbury detention center proposal | Opposed the same recent Roxbury detention center proposal |
| Data centers/AI | Recently introduced a bill that would require AI systems to be able to be shut down by a human. However, he has been trading stocks on companies involved in data center development | Wants NJ to be a leader in AI development but expressed concerns over rising electricity costs data centers have caused |
| Gaza | Expressed support for Israel in their war against Palestine | Described Israel as an ally but said Trump/Netanyahu are not doing what is best for their countries |
| Donald Trump | While described as a moderate Republican, Kean has publicly supported Trump | Condemned Trump and said that Kean is more focused on defending Trump than the constitution |
| Vaccines | Brought a resolution to the house reaffirming the U.S’s immunization efforts | Said that vaccines “save lives” |
| Abortion | Said he supports a woman’s right to choose in a 2022 forum | Pledged to work toward restoring nationwide abortion rights if elected |
NJ-08 – Rob Menendez Jr. (D-incumbent) faces no Republican challenger
U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. has no GOP adversary and is serving his second term in Congress.
| Issue | Rob Menendez Jr. (D) |
| Economy | Critiques Republican economic policies, would like to raise the minimum wage, focuses on affordable living, and heavily focuses on lower class families |
| Immigration | Anti ICE, wants to phase out the use of detention centers, humane border policies and legal/easy immigration, increase due process with transparency |
| Data centers/AI | Introduced the PRICE Act & Data Center Transparency Act, strict advocate for federal oversight of data centers, green energy requirements, against big tech |
| Gaza | Believes in increased flow of US aid to Gaza, Israel has the right to protect itself, condemned Hamas, return of all hostages, and a peace agreement. |
| Donald Trump | Very critical of Trump and his policies |
| Vaccines | Pro vaccine and other public health policies |
| Abortion | Pro choice and strong advocate of Roe v. Wade |
NJ-09 – Rep. Nellie Pou (D-incumbent) vs Rosemary Pino (R)
Rep. Nellie Pou, is running for a second term in a seat that saw a seismic shift to the right in the last election. While NJ-09 hasn’t been held by a Republican since the 1980s, its most recent redraw in 2021 made it much more Republican, and Trump won the district in 2024 after losing it to Joe Biden by more than 20 points four years prior.
Before being elected to Congress in 2024, Pino spent 18 years in the New Jersey legislature. She faces off against Rosemary Pino, a former Democrat who’s served on Clifton’s City Council since 2019.
Despite the shift to the right, Pou is still comfortably favored to win re-election with Republicans in a less favorable climate this year. Decision Desk projects that Pou has a 97% chance to win a second term.
| Issue | Pou (D-incumbent) | Pino (R) |
| Economy | Believes that the country, but especially NJ, is dealing with an “affordability crisis” | Stated that she would oppose “massive spending packages and bureaucratic expansions” in Congress |
| Immigration | Introduced legislation that would ban ICE agents from hiding/obstructing their license plates | Supports “legal immigration” and Trump’s efforts to crackdown on criminals |
| Data centers/AI | Expressed concerns over a diesel fuel spill from a data center in Roxbury | Has not spoken publicly for or against data center development |
| Gaza | Received criticism for visiting Israel in an AIPAC-sponsored trip last year | Said that America “should prioritize American interests” over Israel’s desires |
| Donald Trump | Has disavowed Trump, saying he threatens democracy | Met with Trump in 2025 and has supported the president |
| Vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Stated the negative consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade have become “painfully clear” | Praised March for Life protesters and described herself as pro-life |
NJ-10 – LaMonica McIver (D-incumbent) vs Carmen Bucco (R)
Incumbent Democrat LaMonica McIver has twice defeated Republican Carmen Bucco at the ballot box, but the pair are in a rematch once again.
McIver won the seat in a 2024 special election and retained it in the subsequent general election. McIver previously served on the Newark municipal council, and attracted national attention last year when she was arrested outside the ICE detention facility Delaney Hall. Federal prosecutors are pursuing felony assault charges against her, but McIver pleaded not guilty and argues she was conducting important congressional oversight.
Bucco is a tailor and a former Belleville school board member.
| Issue | McIver (D-incumbent) | Bucco (R) |
| Economy | Believes affordable housing is a key economic issue. Supports expanding federal housing assistance and low-income rent vouchers | Says supporting small businesses and cutting taxes are important measures to improve the economy and create jobs |
| Immigration | Vocal opponent of detention centers, pleaded not guilty to federal assault charges after a scuffle last year outside Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Argued she was conducting important congressional oversight | Opposes private detention centers. Criticized government, saying it puts immigrants over citizens |
| Data centers/AI | Introduced bill to ensure data center development is transparent | Concerned about how AI will impact the workforce |
| Gaza | Repeatedly called for ceasefire and a peaceful solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict | Said Israel is “justifiably” rooting out terrorists in Palestine, and deserves “unwavering” American support |
| Donald Trump | Argues that Trump’s Justice Department is politically targeting her for her opposition to ICE. Criticized Trump’s tariffs and economic policies | Believes MAGA movement “doesn’t work” in NJ, says he won’t allow Trump to tell him how to vote |
| Vaccines | Criticized the Senate’s confirmation of Robert Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic. Supports insurance coverage for vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Believes a nationwide law is needed to protect abortion rights in every state | Voted against the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act and a measure to protect abortion seekers from being extradited if they come to New Jersey from states with abortion restrictions |
NJ-11 – Analilia Mejia (D-incumbent) vs Joe Hathaway (R)
Democratic incumbent Analilia Mejia beat Republican Joe Hathaway in an April special election to win the seat and complete the 11th District congressional term of now-Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The pair face off again in the general election. Meijia, a Democratic organizer who won the primary in a major upset, won 60% of the vote in the spring against the former Republican councilman of Randolph. In Congress, she serves on the Homeland Security Committee and Small Business Committee.
Independent Alan Bond is also on the ballot.
| Issue | Mejia (D-incumbent) | Hathaway (R) |
| Economy | Says Republican tariffs are the cause of what she calls an “affordability crisis.” Supports raising the federal minimum wage and creating Medicare for All | Supports tax cuts. Wants to make healthcare more affordable by allowing small businesses to pool together and provide tax credits |
| Immigration | Daughter of immigrants and has criticized ICE practices, and after visiting Delaney Hall detention center said conditions were dangerous | Favors a “secure border” and supports law enforcement |
| Data centers/AI | Supports a moratorium on new AI data centers. | Has not spoken publicly for or against data center development |
| Gaza | Sharply criticized Israeli politicians, raised her hand to agree with human rights groups who call actions in Gaza a “genocide” | Pledges to stand with ally Israel, opposes any conditions for aid to Israel |
| Donald Trump | Repeatedly criticized Trump on foreign policy, tariffs, and immigration | Vows he will not be a “rubber stamp” for Trump policies that hurt constituents and says he opposes blanket tariffs |
| Vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Supports every person’s right to make their own healthcare decisions, endorsed by abortion-rights groups | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ-12 – Adam Hamawy (D) vs Gregg Mele (R)
Among the 12 Congressional seats in New Jersey up for grabs this November, only one of them is an open seat: a district sprawling over mostly-suburban areas of Mercer, Somerset, Union and Middlesex counties.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D), who had held the seat since 2015, announced that she would not seek re-election in March. Many Democratic candidates jumped into the race hoping to succeed her, but in the end Adam Hamawy beat out 12 other candidates in the June 2 primary.
Hamawy was part of a team of 17 doctors that volunteered to treat victims in Gaza in 2024 that gained national attention after they were trapped when Israel closed the Rafah Border Crossing. While his program was supposed to last two weeks, they were stuck for an additional week.
Hamawy is expected to cruise to victory, as NJ-12 is considered a solid Democratic district. He’ll face off against Gregg Mele, an attorney and former professor.
| Issue | Hamawy (D) | Mele (R) |
| Economy | Blamed the U.S.’s economic status on politicians who have catered to billionaires rather than working families | Called out federal government for spending, borrowing, and regulating without discipline |
| Immigration | Wants to abolish ICE and prosecute agents | Has pledged support to ICE and Trump Immigration policies |
| Data centers/AI | Called for a moratorium on data centers | Does not want to ban data centers but says they cannot impose costs or pollution on other citizens |
| Gaza | Said he saw “the worst of humanity and the best of humanity” in his experience treating patients in Gaza | Supports Israel’s right to defend itself and that the U.S. must remain by its side |
| Donald Trump | Has criticized Trump, while Trump falsely accused him of knocking down the World Trade Center | Says that Trump has overall been helpful in his first and second terms |
| Vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines | Has not spoken publicly for or against vaccines |
| Abortion | Believes that abortion rights shouldn’t “depend on where you live” | Has not spoken publicly for or against abortion |
NJ State House News Service reporters Zo Terrana, Shohini Mitra, Aidan Vanhoof and Jayden Parente contributed to this article.
Ryan Conway is a student at The College Of New Jersey, majoring journalism with a minor in communications.
