New Jersey Democrats flipped two Republican-held House seats in Tuesday's election and held all nine of their own, leaving Rep. Chris Smith as the only Republican in the state's House delegation when the new Congress convenes in January. Almost all votes have been counted in every race.
The marquee upset came in the cycle's most closely watched contest, where Democrat Rebecca Bennett beat Rep. Tom Kean Jr., 57% to 41%. Kean had won about 51% of the vote in each of his last two victories in the district.
The second flip was tighter. Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock, a Democrat, unseated Rep. Jeff Van Drew 51% to 48%, two years after Van Drew won reelection with 58%.
Smith, the night's sole Republican winner, defeated Democrat Rachel Peace 59% to 41%. That was well below the 67% he captured two years ago.
At the top of the ticket, Sen. Cory Booker won a full third term with 62% of the vote to 35% for Republican Justin Murphy. Booker improved on his 57% in 2020 and 56% in 2014, and carried Hunterdon and Monmouth counties for the first time.
Several Democratic incumbents widened their margins. Rep. Nellie Pou won her first reelection with 67%, up from 51% two years ago, and Rep. LaMonica McIver took 85% against Republican Carmen Bucco, whom she beat with 74% in 2024.
Rep. Analilia Meji won her first full term, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway 61% to 39%, in a seat Gov. Mikie Sherrill won with 57% in 2024. Rep. Herb Conaway won his first reelection bid with 63% against Republican Michael McGuire.
First-time candidate Adam Hamawy, a Democrat, won 70% of the vote against Republican Gregg Mele and will succeed retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Other Democrats cruised. Rep. Donald Norcross won 70% against Damon Galdo, Rep. Frank Pallone beat Hillary Herzig 69% to 31%, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer took 62% against Sean Kirrane. Rep. Rob Menendez, with no Republican opponent, won 89% against three independent candidates.
