Rebecca Bennett has won a high-stakes Democratic primary in the US state of New Jersey, pitting her against President Donald Trump-backed Republican Tom Kean Jr. for one of the most competitive seats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, defeated three Democratic rivals in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, securing about 47.2% of the vote, according to Tuesday’s projected results.
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Her closest rival, Tina Shah, received 20.2 percent.
Keene and Bennett will face off in November over the seat, which has changed leadership twice in the past eight years and is a key target for Democrats seeking control of the House.
Independent analysts call the contest a total upset.
Keene’s prolonged absence from Congress has drawn increased attention to this race.
The Republican incumbent has missed more than 100 House votes since early March due to an undisclosed illness.
Despite his absence, Mr. Keene ran unopposed in the Republican primary with support from Mr. Trump.
Keene said Tuesday that he remains focused on his recovery and plans to return to in-person work in the coming weeks.
Hours before voting closed, Mr. Keene issued a statement pledging to be more transparent about his health and suggesting a return to in-person work may take longer than previously expected.
On May 21, he said he expected to return within “a few weeks.”
“Right now, I am focused on my recovery and, under the advice of medical professionals, will be transitioning from virtual to in-person work in the coming weeks,” Keene said.
Bennett targets Keene’s absence and cost of living
At an election night rally in Somerville, New Jersey, Bennett harshly criticized Keene’s record and absence from Washington.
He called the congressman a “coward” and told supporters: “You’re failing us. You don’t deserve to represent us in Washington.”
Bennett campaigned on military service and the economy, arguing that soaring food and gasoline prices during the U.S.-Israel war against Iran and President Trump’s tariffs are putting working families under pressure.
Democrats are increasingly focusing on the economic impact of the conflict, with rising energy costs contributing to inflation and increasing cost-of-living pressures across the country.
The 7th Congressional District, which includes suburban communities, rural areas and Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, has emerged as one of New Jersey’s key battlegrounds.
The seat has flipped repeatedly in recent election cycles, with Democrat Tom Malinowski defeating Republican Leonard Lance in 2018 and Keene taking Malinowski’s seat in 2022.
Bennett’s victory over Tina Sher, Brian Barrera and Michael Ross sets up a high-stakes general election battle in a district that both parties consider critical to their House ambitions.
Keene, 57, is the scion of a prominent New Jersey political family.
His father, Thomas Kean, served two terms as governor and later served as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, a commission established in 2002 to investigate the circumstances of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. He is also a descendant of New Jersey’s first governor, William Livingston.
Republicans will also be running with the support of Trump, who reiterated his support on the eve of the primary despite Keene’s long absence from Washington.
“I have full and complete support for Tom Keene’s re-election,” Trump wrote on social media, adding, “He will never let you down!”
Voters in the district ousted incumbents in recent midterm elections, making this race one of New Jersey’s most competitive House races.
Elsewhere in New Jersey, Analilia Mejia secured the Democratic nomination in the 11th Congressional District and LaMonica McIver secured the Democratic nomination in the 10th Congressional District.
