Story perspectives

Bennett wins costly NJ primary; Senate race set

6/4/2026

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Bennett Wins Primary

Former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett captured New Jersey’s costliest race by winning the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.
New Jersey held its June 2, 2026 primary, selecting party nominees for the U.S. Senate and all 12 House seats.
AP projected Justin Murphy winning the Republican Senate primary to challenge incumbent Democrat Cory Booker.
Zack Mullock and Adam Hamawy won Democratic nominations in the 2nd and 12th Districts, respectively.

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Bennett Wins

Turnout in New Jersey’s June 2 primary fell below 20%, leaving many precincts with only a handful of voters.
Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
Incumbent Republican Tom Kean Jr. missed over 100 House votes since March, citing a medical issue.
Progressive groups and New Jersey cities urge ranked-choice voting to stop nominees winning with minimal support.

History

Historical Context

In 1913 Governor Woodrow Wilson enacted the New Jersey Primary Election Law, establishing statewide partisan primaries to weaken political machines. In the June 2 2026 Democratic primary, former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett’s 7th District win has spurred the League of Women Voters and progressives to demand ranked-choice voting, recalling early reforms as Democrats now control 11 of 12 congressional seats.

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Bennett Wins Primary

Former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett captured New Jersey’s costliest race by winning the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.
New Jersey held its June 2, 2026 primary, selecting party nominees for the U.S. Senate and all 12 House seats.
AP projected Justin Murphy winning the Republican Senate primary to challenge incumbent Democrat Cory Booker.
Zack Mullock and Adam Hamawy won Democratic nominations in the 2nd and 12th Districts, respectively.

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