District 7 General Election 2024: Tom Kean Jr.

WESTFIELD, NJ — On Nov. 5 there are four candidates running for election in the House of Representatives 7th Congressional District general election.

Incumbent Republican Tom Kean Jr. is running against Democrat Sue Altman, Libertarian Party Lana Leguia, and Green Party Andrew Black.

Tom Kean, Jr.

• Age: 56
• Town of residence: Westfield
• Position sought: U.S. House of Representatives, NJ07
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married to wife Rhonda with two daughters ages 25 & 21
• Education: A.B., Dartmouth College; M.A.L.D. and completed Doctoral studies ABD at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
• Occupation: Congressman
• Previous elected/appointed office: U.S. House of Representatives 2023-present; New Jersey State Senate 2003-2021 New Jersey General Assembly 2001-2003
• Campaign website: www.tomkean.com

Why are you seeking election for the U.S. Representative District 7?

I am running for re-election because I want to continue making a difference in the lives of people. I serve residents by being accessible, advocating for constituents’ community and policy concerns, and working to solve their issues. As an example, since taking office as Congressman in January of 2023, my team and I have returned over $11 million in direct benefits to residents through our casework advocacy. Additionally, I have secured over $25 million in infrastructure investments through the Community Project Funding program of the Appropriations Process.

Since taking office, I have authored 28 bills, on issues ranging from protecting our students from dangerous AI applications, to firefighter grants, as well as the One Seat Ride Act. Additionally, I have cosponsored 387 pieces of legislation ranging from supporting our veterans to protecting Social Security for retirees. You can find all of my bills by visiting kean.house.gov.

I believe there are a number of issues which still need to be addressed. If re-elected, I will continue to serve as a representative who has the back of our law enforcement and first responders and help them to secure the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. I will continue to support investments in our transportation infrastructure, like finishing the Gateway Project and securing a One Seat Ride on the Raritan Valley Line. I will work to ensure that America pursues an “all of the above” energy strategy that promotes American energy independence. We must promote greater affordability by fully restoring the SALT Deduction. I will continue to work to secure our borders.

I stand with our allies in Ukraine and Israel. I will continue to work with our state and local officials, community leaders to combat the scourge of antisemitism. We must ensure the safety of the Jewish community in New Jersey, across the nation and around the globe, and recognize that the nation of Israel has the right to exist and defend itself against targeted terrorist attacks. It is also vital that we stand with Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s illegal invasion. I am committed to strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.

Overdevelopment has been a concern across the District. How do you plan to address this?

To address overdevelopment, I’m focused on making sure growth in our district is balanced, sustainable, and in line with the needs of our communities. We must consider smarter zoning policies that preserve open space, protect our natural resources, and make the necessary investments to improve our infrastructure—like roads, water systems, and public services—so it can support residents without being overwhelmed. I have a record in the State Legislature and in Congress of working to preserve the character of our small towns and ensuring that new projects enhance our quality of life, rather than strain it.

Rising taxes and inflation are impacting residents across the state. How do you propose offering some relief to constituents?

The issue I hear about the most across this district is the rising cost of living and lack of affordability. New Jersey is already one of the most expensive states in which to live, work, and raise a family, and the fact is that the cost of everyday products from the grocery store to the gas pump to owning a home has dramatically increased in the past few years.

As the Vice-Chair of the bipartisan SALT Caucus, I am fighting to fully restore the state and local tax (SALT) deduction that was capped in 2017. This was an unfair tax increase on New Jerseyans who relied on this deduction extensively. I voted against the tax package that passed the House on January 31, because it did not include a SALT deductibility restoration.

We must break the back of inflation by sensibly curtailing out of control federal spending through laws like the Fiscal Responsibility Act. In addition, we need to further investments in American energy independence, grow our innovative and manufacturing capabilities here at home. We can support families and our business community by creating more, better-paying job opportunities across the state.

There has been an increase in home and vehicle burglaries in towns across the district, do you think enough has been done to combat this? What else would you propose to address this issue?

This is a major issue that this outlet has reported on, and our officers and departments have worked to serve and protect their towns to the best of their abilities each and every day. I commend them for their services.

Towns like Bernards, Summit, Westfield, amongst many others, have seen an uptick in these types of property crimes. First, we must ensure that our police departments and officers have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I am working with leaders from both parties in Washington to provide our law enforcement agencies with the infrastructure and tools they need, such as license plate readers, new patrol cars, and upgraded radios. I am also a cosponsor of the Auto Theft Prevention Act, and have held round tables with police chiefs, local elected officials, and mayors to specifically address the issue to determine ways that Congress can continue to assist them in preventing these types of crimes. In this election, I have been endorsed by every law enforcement organization in the state.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in District 7?

The federal government should take a balanced, practical, and “all of the above” approach to energy—one that is built around multiple sources while protecting our environment, and promotes American energy independence. We must work towards ensuring that our state has clean air, clean water, and clean soil, free from harmful toxins.

In New Jersey, nuclear power provides 42 percent of our energy. I believe it must remain a key component with federal investments as we transition to cleaner energy sources. The United States should continue investing in renewables like land-based wind and solar to ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future, which also creates new jobs in the process.

We must also be mindful about safeguarding our natural spaces. I’m committed to pushing back against excessive warehouse sprawl and prioritizing the preservation of open spaces. The federal funding I am working to secure would be used to revitalize state and local parks.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I prioritize finding common sense solutions that directly benefit our families, small businesses, and first responders, rather than pushing divisive or extreme agendas. I also have a strong, bipartisan approach—working across the aisle to get things done, which is what this district needs, and standing up to my own party when it means that NJ07 residents will benefit.

I have the full support of all of New Jersey’s major law enforcement organizations. The New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and State Troopers Fraternal Association have all endorsed my campaign because they know I have their backs. My opponent has advocated for defunding the police, releasing convicted cop killers from jail, and decriminalizing dangerous narcotics like crack, heroin, and fentanyl. These are extreme policies with extreme consequences.

I have supported reasonable restraint in government spending, and lowering taxes. My opponent has supported every major tax increase on New Jersey families. She has supported raising the income tax, business tax, and the state sales tax. My opponent has frequently backed record-high government spending, on both the state and federal level.

I have earned the endorsement of a broad coalition of labor unions (International Association of Fire Fighters, State Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association, Carpenters, Electrical Workers, Operating Engineers, Bricklayers, and the Building Trades Council) and business organizations (U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business).

To learn more about the differences between my opponent and I, please visit www.tomkean.com

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

Election day is right around the corner - Tuesday, November 5th. There are three ways that you can vote - all of them safe and secure. I encourage everyone to use the method of voting that best fits their needs. You can vote-by-mail, vote early in person and on a machine, or at your normal polling location on Election Day.

To learn more about important dates, locations, or times, please visit: tomkean.com/voter-resources - Make your voice heard!