New Jersey Democrats pick Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett to face absent GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

By — Mike Catalini, Associated Press Mike Catalini, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/new-jersey-democrats-pick-navy-veteran-rebecca-bennett-to-face-absent-gop-rep-tom-kean-jr Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter New Jersey Democrats pick Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett to face absent GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Politics Jun 3, 2026 4:27 PM EDT BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic primary in a battleground New Jersey congressional district to take on Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent with an unspecified illness for months. Bennett's victory over three other Democrats on Tuesday sets up the state's premier contest in November, when the party hopes it can flip the onetime Republican stronghold that has proven competitive in recent years. The district includes bedroom communities and farm towns as well as President Donald Trump's Bedminster golf club. Kean's absence — his last vote was in early March — has supercharged interest in the seat, which Democrats view as key to winning control of the narrowly divided U.S. House. Voters in the 7th District have ousted two incumbents during midterm elections over the past decade. READ MORE: New Jersey voters look for answers about Tom Kean Jr.'s prolonged absence from Congress Addressing supporters in Bridgewater, Bennett called Kean a "coward." "You are failing us, and you do not deserve to represent us in Washington," she said. In her speech, Bennett referred to "Tom Kean Jr., wherever you are," drawing applause from supporters. She criticized Kean over his vote for Trump's tax legislation and his failure to stand up to the president's threat to cut funding for a rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York. Trump's package of spending and tax cuts expanded the state and local tax deduction. New Jersey has among the highest property taxes in the nation. Democrats like Bennett are focusing on rising costs caused by Iran war The Democrats are leaning into the rising costs of groceries and gasoline caused by the Iran war and Trump's sweeping tariffs. Bennett built her campaign around her experience as a Navy helicopter pilot as well as around affordability, noting that she drives a no-frills sedan and emphasizing her relatability as a working mom. Araz Shahinian, a 49-year-old systems developer, said he voted for Bennett, noting he's worried about the state of politics and rising prices. "She had the more centrist views," he said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Bennett's victory comes as Kean, who received Trump's endorsement, remains out of public view. He did not make any appearances ahead of the primary, and he did not face a challenge for the Republican nomination. Kean issued a statement on Tuesday saying "I will continue putting our constituents first" and "