--- title: "Bennett vs. Kean: 2026 New Jersey’s 7th District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nj-07" updated: "2026-10-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 New Jersey’s 7th District race: Rebecca Bennett (D) vs. Thomas Kean Jr. (R) Rating: Toss-up · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: October 1, 2026 In New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Thomas Kean Jr. faces Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett in one of the nation's most competitive battleground races. Kean is campaigning as an independent leader highlighting his record of delivering local community funding and pushing to restore the SALT deduction. Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, focuses on lowering daily living costs, expanding healthcare access, and providing congressional oversight. ## Candidates - **Rebecca Bennett** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://rebeccabennettforcongress.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) - **Thomas Kean Jr.** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://tomkean.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ## Issues ### Economy and Cost of Living Salience: high Both candidates champion restoring the SALT deduction and lowering costs, but Bennett emphasizes cutting housing red tape, paid family leave, and green economy jobs, while Kean points to his votes against tax hikes and business deregulation. **Rebecca Bennett:** Lowering costs and expanding opportunity Bennett focuses on reducing daily living expenses for families through housing expansion, tax relief, paid family leave, and targeted investment in clean energy, biotech, and AI. She pledges to restore the SALT deduction, support labor unions, and establish job training and apprenticeship programs. - Fully restore the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction - Cut red tape to increase housing supply and lower buyer/renter costs - Pass paid family leave and fully fund elder care - Support labor unions and fund job training and apprenticeship programs > “Lead efforts to cut red tape, increase housing supply and construction, and make housing more affordable for buyers and renters.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Fully restore the SALT deduction so that New Jersey taxpayers are no longer double taxed on their hard-earned income.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Cutting taxes and reducing regulation Kean highlights affordability as a core legislative priority, pointing to his role on the bipartisan SALT Caucus fighting to restore the full tax deduction. He emphasizes fiscal discipline, capping municipal spending, reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and delivering community funding. - Led efforts on the bipartisan SALT Caucus to fully restore the State and Local Tax deduction - Supported municipal spending caps and opposed tax increases during state legislative tenure - Voted for key budget reconciliation and spending limit measures in Congress - Promotes cutting red tape for small businesses > “I have made affordability a top priority during my time in Congress and will always continue the fight to lower the cost of living for hard working New Jersey families.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “As a member of the bipartisan SALT Caucus, I led the fight to fully restore the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction for every middle class family, providing real tax relief for homeowners throughout the district who face the burden of living in a high-tax state.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Healthcare Salience: high Bennett advocates expanding federal healthcare protections, restoring Medicaid/Medicare funding cuts, and capping drug costs, whereas Kean emphasizes his past state legislative work on drug prices and maternal health alongside federal healthcare oversight. **Rebecca Bennett:** Expanding coverage and lowering healthcare costs Drawing on her background as a healthcare executive, Bennett pledges to protect coverage for pre-existing conditions, reverse federal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and increase mental health funding for youth. She supports shifting provider incentives toward patient health outcomes and streamlining cross-state licensing. - Protect individuals with pre-existing conditions - Restore Medicaid and Medicare funding cuts - Increase funding for youth mental health services and hold social media companies accountable - Oppose cuts to National Institutes of Health research grants > “We have to expand access and bring down costs for patients, and I’m excited to bring my experience in healthcare to Congress.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Protect those with pre-existing conditions, to ensure they are able to access affordable health coverage throughout their lives.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Protecting healthcare access and bipartisan reform Kean highlights his experience on state Senate health committees working across party lines to lower prescription drug costs, improve maternal healthcare, and increase access to mental health services. In Congress, he supports protecting healthcare access and improving high-quality care options. - Worked on state Senate Health and Commerce committees on healthcare reforms - Supported legislation to lower prescription drug costs and improve maternal health - Advocates for increased access to mental healthcare - Voted for continuing appropriations funding federal healthcare programs > “I am an independent leader standing up for what is right for New Jersey – working to lower the cost of living, protect healthcare, strengthen our communities, and ensure America is strong at home and around the world.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “While there, he worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to find solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, improve maternal healthcare and increase access to mental healthcare.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Infrastructure and Transportation Salience: medium Both candidates strongly champion the Gateway Tunnel Project and local transit improvements, though Kean highlights secured federal earmarks while Bennett emphasizes air traffic control modernization. **Rebecca Bennett:** Modernizing transit and regional infrastructure Bennett pledges to invest in critical regional transportation projects, including the Gateway Tunnel, to enable one-seat rides into NYC and alleviate traffic congestion. She also advocates for modernizing the national air traffic control system. - Invest in Gateway Tunnel project to secure one-seat rides - Modernize air traffic control system - Upgrade local infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion > “Modernize our air traffic control system and invest in other key infrastructure upgrades, including the Gateway Tunnel, to ensure one-seat rides and reduced traffic congestion.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Delivering federal infrastructure funding Kean points to his record on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and his long-standing work reforming the Port Authority to support the Gateway Tunnel. He highlights over $38 million secured in federal funding for district roads, bridges, sidewalks, lead pipe replacement, and stormwater projects. - Serves on House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - Secured $38 million in federal funding for NJ-07 community infrastructure projects - Worked on bi-state Port Authority reform to lay foundation for Gateway Tunnel - Funded local lead service line replacement and stormwater improvements > “I have a proven track record of delivering for New Jersey residents and have secured more than $38 million in federal funding for community projects across the 7th District.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “advocating for infrastructure investments that improve transportation and economic competitiveness like the Gateway Tunnel Project.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Government Accountability and Reform Salience: medium Bennett advocates strict reform measures like stock-trading bans for Congress members and campaign finance limits, while Kean emphasizes his bipartisan Problem Solvers caucus membership and constituent return dollars. **Rebecca Bennett:** Banning congressional stock trading and ethics reform Bennett calls for restoring public trust in government by passing a ban on Members of Congress trading individual stocks and enacting comprehensive campaign finance reform. She pledges to hold the executive branch accountable and protect voting rights. - Pass a ban on Members of Congress trading stocks - Enact campaign finance reform to limit billionaire influence - Hold executive branch accountable to judicial orders and constitutional oversight - Protect voting rights through federal legislation > “Pass a ban on Members of Congress trading stocks, to ensure that our elected representatives serve the public interest, not their own bottom line.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Holding the current Administration accountable. The current Congress has completely abdicated its responsibility to be an equal branch of government.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Independent bipartisan representation and constituent service Kean positions himself as an independent leader who works across the aisle through the Problem Solvers Caucus. He emphasizes his constituent services record, noting $62 million returned to district residents and $38 million secured in community project investments. - Member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus - Returned $62 million to NJ-07 residents through constituent services - Positions himself as an independent leader willing to stand up to both parties > “As an independent leader in Congress, my approach will always be guided by the interests of New Jersey families, even when it means standing up to leaders in either party.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “In my two terms in Congress, my office has succeeded in returning $62 million back to New Jersey residents and has secured $38 million in investments for local projects in our communities.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Gun Safety and Public Safety Salience: medium Bennett proposes strict federal gun safety laws and banning assault weapons, whereas Kean focuses on funding local law enforcement and voting for federal border and criminal enforcement bills. **Rebecca Bennett:** Enacting stricter gun safety regulations Drawing on her military experience operating weapons of war, Bennett advocates for federal legislation to remove assault weapons from civilian streets, reimplement taxes on silencers, and mandate universal background checks. She also supports funding law enforcement and community trust building. - Pass commonsense gun safety reforms and background checks - Ban weapons of war for civilian access - Reimplement tax on silencers and restore CDC gun violence research funding - Provide law enforcement with needed local resources while building trust > “Pass commonsense, popular gun safety reforms to keep firearms out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them and make our communities less safe to live and work in.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Get weapons of war off our streets – it should not be easier for untrained civilians to access these weapons than it is for members of our armed forces.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Supporting law enforcement and toughening crime penalties Kean supports public safety by securing federal grants for local police and emergency services communication upgrades. He voted for federal legislation to detain and deport non-citizens convicted of theft, burglary, or driving under the influence. - Secured federal funding for local public safety communications upgrades - Voted for the Laken Riley Act (S.5) requiring detention of non-citizens arrested for burglary/theft - Voted for H.R. 875 making DUI offenses grounds for deportation - Background as a former volunteer firefighter and EMT > “These investments have supported public safety departments and efforts through communication upgrades and local infrastructure improvements to roads, sidewalks, and bridges.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Environment and Energy Salience: medium Bennett advocates for heavy clean energy incentives and strict environmental regulations to fight climate change, while Kean promotes an 'all-of-the-above' energy approach alongside clean water infrastructure investments. **Rebecca Bennett:** Investing in clean energy and climate resilience Bennett advocates for transitioning to renewable energy, supporting solar installations and electric vehicles, and upgrading the power grid. She supports strict federal regulations to eliminate forever chemicals (PFAS) and lead from drinking water, while investing in flood resilience. - Incentivize solar energy, electric vehicles, and power grid modernizations - Maintain strict federal air and water pollution regulations - Fund removal of forever chemicals and lead service lines in drinking water - Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate storm flooding > “Rebecca is ready to address the climate crisis by investing in renewable energy, creating jobs, and lowering energy costs in New Jersey.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Facilitate the removal of forever chemicals, lead, and other dangerous pollutants from drinking water and upgrade water treatment facilities.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Promoting clean water funding and domestic energy production Kean highlights his EPA background and state legislative authorship of clean energy laws, including offshore wind support and the Global Warming Response Act. In Congress, he secured district funds for lead pipe replacement and stormwater upgrades, while voting for domestic fossil fuel and energy permitting expansion. - Secured federal project funding for lead service line replacement and stormwater improvements - Prime sponsor of New Jersey's Global Warming Response Act (2007) - Worked at EPA and sponsored offshore wind funding in state Senate - Voted Yea on the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1) to expand oil, gas, and mineral production > “Projects also included funding for lead service line replacement to improve drinking water quality and stormwater improvement.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “He has built a reputation as an advocate for clean energy and open space in the New Jersey state legislature.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### National Security and Foreign Policy Salience: medium Bennett focuses on military technology modernization, AI/drone warfare preparation, and countering China, while Kean emphasizes his foreign affairs leadership supporting key allies like Israel and Ukraine. **Rebecca Bennett:** Modernizing military tech and countering strategic threats Leveraging her service as a Navy experimental test pilot, Bennett advocates for updating DoD acquisition processes to integrate cyber, drone, and AI technologies. She identifies China as America's primary long-term strategic threat and insists on keeping the military apolitical. - Prepare U.S. forces for cyberwarfare, drone warfare, and AI technology in conflict - Streamline DoD acquisition processes to improve equipment deployment - Counter China as the primary 50-year strategic threat to global democracy - Keep the armed forces strictly apolitical > “Prepare the United States for 21st century warfare in order to counter increasing threats of advanced cyberwarfare, drone warfare, and the use of AI in international conflicts.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Counter China as the number one strategic threat to global democracy and the United States’ standing over the next 50 years.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Supporting international allies and strong national defense As Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee, Kean emphasizes robust support for U.S. national security interests and democratic allies worldwide, specifically highlighting Israel and Ukraine. He consistently votes for annual national defense authorization bills. - Serves on Foreign Affairs Committee and as Chairman of the Europe Subcommittee - Advocates standing strongly with strategic allies Israel and Ukraine - Voted Yea on National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) authorizing military funding > “supporting U.S. national security interests such as standing with allies like Israel and Ukraine” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) > “ensure America is strong at home and around the world.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Immigration and Border Security Salience: medium Kean supports strict federal border enforcement and proof-of-citizenship voting requirements, whereas Bennett supports bipartisan immigration reform and legal pathway framework. **Rebecca Bennett:** Bipartisan immigration reform Bennett pledges to work with lawmakers across party lines to achieve comprehensive, commonsense immigration reform that secures the border while maintaining fair trade and legal immigration pathways. - Work with bipartisan lawmakers on comprehensive immigration reform - Promote predictable trade and immigration policies that support international partnerships > “Work with commonsense lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to find bipartisan solutions to tough challenges, including on immigration reform and trade.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Strict border enforcement and voter eligibility verification Kean supports strict border enforcement policies and enforcement against unauthorized immigrants accused of crimes. He voted for the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to vote, as well as bills mandating detention for non-citizens arrested for theft or DUI offenses. - Voted Yea on SAVE Act (H.R. 22) requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voting - Voted Yea on Laken Riley Act (S.5) requiring detention of unauthorized immigrants arrested for theft/burglary - Voted Yea on H.R. 875 making DUI grounds for non-citizen deportation > “The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), was a bill passed by the House of Representatives on 4/10/2025 that required individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Veterans and Military Families Salience: low Bennett presents a detailed platform for military transition programs, VA tech upgrades, and PTSD mental healthcare, whereas Kean relies on his congressional voting record for defense and VA funding bills. **Rebecca Bennett:** Expanding veteran transition support and VA healthcare As a Navy veteran, Bennett proposes streamlining how veterans translate military experience into civilian credentials, protecting VA benefits, and upgrading VA technology. She advocates increasing funding for PTSD and mental health treatment for veterans and military families. - Seamlessly translate military training into civilian job certifications - Protect VA benefits and prevent budget cuts at the VA - Update outdated technology at VA hospitals and facilities - Increase mental health and PTSD funding for veterans and families > “Work with veterans’ organizations to better aid former servicemembers in their transition to civilian life, find good-paying jobs in the public and private sectors.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Increase funding for mental health services for veterans and family members of veterans, particularly for PTSD.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** Funding veterans programs through federal spending bills Kean supports veterans and military families primarily through key legislative votes, including continuing appropriations bills that fund Military Construction and Veterans Affairs programs and annual national defense authorization legislation. - Voted Yea on H.R.5371 appropriating funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs - Voted Yea on National Defense Authorization Acts authorizing military family support programs > “The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R.5371) was a bill passed by the 119th Congress” > — Thomas Kean Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Kean_Jr.) ### Reproductive Rights and Civil Freedoms Salience: medium Bennett strongly supports codifying Roe v. Wade federally and expanding LGBTQ+ protections via the Equality Act, while Kean's platform does not detail a position on federal abortion legislation. **Rebecca Bennett:** Codifying federal abortion rights and civil rights Bennett promises to vote to restore federal abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade and protect reproductive healthcare access in New Jersey. She also champions the Equality Act to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and supports federal voting rights protections. - Restore a woman's right to choose at the federal level - Advance the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ rights - Protect voting rights for all citizens > “Restore a woman’s right to choose at the federal level and ensure that New Jersey women’s reproductive rights and health are not infringed upon.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) > “Fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights by advancing the Equality Act, ensuring that no one is discriminated against because of who they are or who they love.” > — Rebecca Bennett, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rebecca_Bennett_%28New_Jersey%29) **Thomas Kean Jr.:** No documented position in our sources ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/nj-07-house-election-winner) — NJ-07 House Election Winner: Democrats 93.0%, Republicans 6.5% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/HOUSENJ7-26) — NJ-07 House winner?: Rebecca Bennett 93.2%, Thomas Kean Jr. 7.1% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-nj-07)