WESTFIELD, N.J. — Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has lost his reelection bid in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, falling to Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett in one of the nation’s most closely watched House contests.
The defeat ends Kean’s congressional career after two terms and hands Democrats a significant pickup in their battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kean, the son of former Republican Governor Tom Kean Sr., first captured the seat in 2022 after defeating Democratic incumbent Tom Malinowski. He successfully defended it in 2024 before facing his toughest reelection fight this November.
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and political newcomer, benefited from a substantial Democratic early-voting advantage. Republicans mounted a stronger Election Day turnout effort, but it was not enough to overcome the Democratic challenge.
The contest was also complicated by scrutiny surrounding Kean’s extended absence from congressional voting earlier this year.
NJ-07 includes portions of Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties. Long considered a competitive suburban battleground, the district will now return to Democratic representation in January 2027.
Kean’s defeat represents a consequential setback for New Jersey Republicans, who entered Election Day defending one of their few remaining congressional seats.
