Explore

AP News AP News
New Jersey Democrats pick opponent in House district with absent Republican incumbent

New Jersey Democrats pick opponent in House district with absent Republican incumbent

Democrats testing their chances in a right-leaning New Jersey battleground district are picking their nominee in a House primary to take on Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who’s been absent for months from Congress as he deals with an unspecified medical issue
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New Jersey Democrats Select Challenger for House Seat Amid Incumbent's Absence

New Jersey Democrats Select Challenger for House Seat Amid Incumbent's Absence

In New Jersey's 7th District, Democrats are selecting their nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress due to an unspecified medical issue. The district, which includes suburban areas and farmland, is a key battleground with significant political interest. Four Democratic candidates are vying for the nomination: Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot; Michael Roth, a former Small Business Administration official; Tina Shah, an ICU doctor; and Brian Varela, a businessman supported by progressive groups. Kean, who has not voted since early March, plans to seek a third term despite his absence. President Trump has endorsed Kean, praising his support for the America First agenda. The Democratic candidates are focusing on issues like rising costs of groceries and gasoline, attributing these to Republican policies and Kean's support for Trump's tax cuts.
AP News AP News
New Jersey Democrats pick opponent in district where US Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent

New Jersey Democrats pick opponent in district where US Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent

Democrats testing their chances in a right-leaning New Jersey battleground district are picking their nominee in a House primary to take on Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who’s been absent for months from Congress as he deals with an unspecified medical issue
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New Jersey Democrats Select Challenger Amid Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Absence Due to Medical Issue

New Jersey Democrats Select Challenger Amid Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Absence Due to Medical Issue

In New Jersey's 7th District, Democrats are selecting their nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress for several months due to an unspecified medical issue. The district, which includes suburban areas and farmland, is a key battleground for both parties. Four Democratic candidates are vying for the nomination: Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot; Michael Roth, a former Small Business Administration official; Tina Shah, an ICU doctor; and Brian Varela, a businessman supported by progressive groups. The primary has been highly competitive, with significant fundraising efforts and strategic positioning to appeal to both the Democratic base and independent voters. Kean's absence has intensified interest in the race, as Democrats aim to regain control of the narrowly divided House.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump Endorses Missing Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Amid Reelection Campaign

President Trump Endorses Missing Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Amid Reelection Campaign

President Donald Trump has endorsed Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican congressman from New Jersey, who is seeking reelection despite being absent from Capitol Hill for three months. Kean, the son of a former GOP governor, has missed over 100 votes in the House of Representatives since early March due to a medical issue, the specifics of which have not been disclosed. Despite his absence, Kean is running unopposed in the June 2 GOP primary but faces a competitive general election in November. The Cook Political Report has shifted the outlook for Kean's district from leaning Republican to a toss-up. Kean has continued to engage with his constituents and legislative duties remotely, including introducing a bill related to federal healthcare coverage for preeclampsia.
AP News AP News
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey’s state primary

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey’s state primary

New Jersey voters will nominate candidates for both chambers of Congress in a state primary Tuesday, including in the competitive 7th Congressional District
AP News AP News
What to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa

What to watch in Tuesday's primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa

California's governor race is lacking star power this year
Reuters Reuters
California votes in primary to pick new governor, and maybe tip balance in Congress

California votes in primary to pick new governor, and maybe tip balance in Congress

By Daniel Trotta June 2 (Reuters) - California votes on Tuesday in a primary election that will choose two finalists for governor and Los Angeles mayor while also testing newly redrawn congressional lines that could tip the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
California Democrats Redraw Congressional Map to Counter GOP Gains, Primary Tests Effectiveness

California Democrats Redraw Congressional Map to Counter GOP Gains, Primary Tests Effectiveness

California Democrats have redrawn the state's congressional map in an effort to gain five additional seats in the U.S. House, countering Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. This strategic move is being tested in the upcoming primary elections. The state's unique primary system allows the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, to advance to the general election. This system poses a risk for Democrats in the San Diego suburbs, where the district of retiring Republican Rep. Darrell Issa has been redrawn to slightly favor Democrats. However, with nine Democratic candidates running, there is concern that the vote could be split, potentially allowing two Republican candidates to advance. The redistricting effort is part of a broader strategy to offset GOP gains made possible by President Trump's redistricting in Texas, which aimed to secure more seats for Republicans.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr.'s Prolonged Absence Raises Concerns Among Voters

New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr.'s Prolonged Absence Raises Concerns Among Voters

New Jersey voters are expressing concern over the unexplained absence of Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who has been missing from Congress for nearly three months due to a medical emergency. Kean, a Republican representing New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, has missed over 100 votes, prompting questions about his ability to fulfill his duties. His absence is particularly significant as his district is a key target for Democrats aiming to regain control of Congress. Despite the situation, Kean's office has confirmed that he is still running for reelection and plans to return to a full schedule soon. The district, which includes President Trump's Bedminster golf course, has historically swung between Republican and Democratic control.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New Jersey Candidate Adam Hamawy Condemns Antisemitism Amid Campaign Scrutiny

New Jersey Candidate Adam Hamawy Condemns Antisemitism Amid Campaign Scrutiny

Adam Hamawy, a candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 12th congressional district, has publicly condemned antisemitism and accusations of dual loyalty. As a Muslim and a critic of Israel, Hamawy has faced scrutiny over his past connections and his stance on Israel. He has been vocal about the rise of antisemitism, expressing his concerns in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA). Hamawy's campaign has gained momentum following support from the pro-Palestinian super PAC, American Priorities, which has invested significantly in his campaign. Despite his controversial views on Israel, including opposition to military aid and the Iron Dome defense system, Hamawy emphasizes shared values with Jewish constituents and highlights the contributions of Jewish staff and supporters to his campaign.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NJ Democratic Candidate Addresses Past Ties to Radical Cleric Amid Primary Vote

NJ Democratic Candidate Addresses Past Ties to Radical Cleric Amid Primary Vote

Dr. Adam Hamawy, a Democratic candidate in New Jersey, is addressing questions regarding his past involvement as a witness in the trial of Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman. This comes as the primary vote is set to take place on Tuesday. The issue has surfaced as a point of contention in the political landscape, with Hamawy explaining his role during the trial. The trial of Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, known for his radical views, has been a significant event in the past, and Hamawy's connection to it is being scrutinized as he campaigns for a congressional seat.