Republicans are projected to lose New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, a closely watched seat, in a significant win for House Democrats. The district includes President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett is projected to defeat Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who was seeking a third term. Kean represents a prosperous mix of suburban and exurban communities near New York City and is the son of former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean Sr.
Several election forecasts had predicted a Bennett victory, as Republicans faced a difficult election cycle while trying to retain control of Congress.
Kean, who tends to keep a low profile in Washington, drew attention this year after missing four months of congressional work. He later said he had been receiving treatment for depression. Some criticized him for not explaining the reason for his absence until he returned.
Speaking on the House floor, Kean said that when he first announced he had a medical issue, he was still trying to understand it himself. He had expected to return within weeks, based on the best information his doctors had, but said recovery did not follow a set schedule and required taking things one day at a time.
During their only debate, Kean defended Trump’s economic record and the war in Iran. Bennett criticized the president’s tariffs and argued that the conflict was contributing to high gas prices.
In August, Kean described himself as an effective lawmaker who had brought results to the district and listened to residents’ concerns. He characterized Bennett as strongly partisan.
Republicans around the country were also facing headwinds from Trump’s low approval ratings, despite his campaigning in several states ahead of the election. Some House Republicans said Tuesday evening they no longer expected their party to hold its majority. One senior aide described the situation as a “bloodbath.”
The 7th District was among the early races where Republican groups cut back their spending. Sources said the Congressional Leadership Fund and the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. were redirecting money to contests elsewhere. A person close to Kean’s campaign dismissed concerns at the time, saying it had sufficient funds.
At an August fundraiser for Kean, House Speaker Mike Johnson called the contest one of the party’s three most important races and said it was a major target for Democrats.
