Rebecca Bennett Declares Victory In NJ 7th Congressional Race

DISTRICT 7, NJ — Democrat Rebecca Bennett declared victory Tuesday night in the race to represent New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

Speaking to supporters in Bridgewater on Tuesday, Bennett outlined a message centered on lowering costs, addressing corruption in Washington and representing the district regardless of party.

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Bennett said she had spoken by phone with outgoing Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

"I want to thank him for his years of service, and I wish him and his family all the best," Bennett said. "He congratulated me on our victory, and he expressed his commitment to the peaceful transition of power, A tradition that is deeply American."

Bennett told the crowd the campaign had been driven by voters who said the cost of living had become harder to manage.

She cited a senior in Rahway whose home heating oil bill rose from $300 to $900, a teacher in Warren paying $4,200 a month for childcare and a social worker in Phillipsburg whose health insurance premium had quadrupled in two years.

"I'll work with whoever wants to work with me to tackle the cost of living crisis that we are facing," she said.

She also used the speech to frame ethics and campaign finance as major priorities in Congress.

"That means… Banning members of Congress from trading stocks, overturning Citizens United, and getting dark money out of politics," Bennett said.

Bennett described her background as a Navy veteran and test pilot and said it shaped how she approaches public service.

"In the Navy, I was a Test Pilot. The job was about identifying problems and fixing them," she said.

She also called her life "the story of the American dream," pointing to an ROTC scholarship, use of the GI Bill for her MBA, and buying a house with a VA loan.

The speech also included a broader political message about division and leadership.

Bennett said voters were "demanding change" and called for "a new generation of leadership."

She said, "No matter who you voted for, I will be your representative in Washington."

Bennett thanked volunteers and supporters, saying 1,800 volunteers knocked on more than 200,000 doors, made half a million phone calls and that more than 46,000 people donated to the campaign.

She also thanked Gov. Mikie Sherrill, labor supporters, local elected officials and several political organizations by name.

Closing the speech, Bennett told supporters the election was not the end of the work ahead.

"Let's get to work," said Bennett.

The Associated Press also called the race on Tuesday night, declaring Bennett the victor and unseating Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr.

Bennett was leading Kean Jr. 186,422 to 135,037 with 94 percent of the precincts counted, according to the AP.

All results are unofficial until certified.

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