Full Breakdown
Democrats Secure Nominations in New Jersey’s 2nd and 12th Congressional Districts
6/4/2026, 11:47:01 PM
2nd District: Zack Mullock Wins Democratic Primary
Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock captured the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District on June 4, 2026. The Associated Press reported Mullock with 41 % of the vote after roughly 65 % of ballots were counted, defeating Bayly Winder, Tim Alexander and Terri Reese. The district stretches across Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and parts of Gloucester and Ocean counties. Mullock will face incumbent Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a four-term officeholder who switched parties in 2019, in the November general election.
12th District: Adam Hamowy Wins Crowded Democratic Primary
Dr. Adam Hamowy, a plastic-reconstructive surgeon and U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, emerged as the Democratic nominee for the 12th Congressional District. With about 85 % of precincts reporting, Hamowy led with 18,545 votes (27.8 %), ahead of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen (10,579 votes, 15.8 %) and Princeton neuroscientist Samuel Wang (6,462 votes, 9.7 %). The district includes Princeton and portions of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Hamowy will contest the seat of retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman against Republican attorney Gregg Mele.
Candidate Backgrounds and Campaign Strategies
Mullock highlighted a seven-year mayoral record without tax increases and secured federal funding for Cape May’s seawall project. His platform stresses lowering costs for working families, defending democracy, and opposing what he described as “special-interest” policies of Van Drew. Hamowy’s agenda calls for Medicare for All, abolition of ICE, dismantling the Department of Homeland Security, and broader economic justice. He leveraged a $1 million fundraising lead, supplemented by >$1.5 million in independent expenditures from the pro-Palestine super-PAC American Priorities. Endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth signaled progressive backing.
Vote Totals and Fundraising
- 2nd District: Mullock 41 % (partial count); opponents split remaining 59 %.
- 12th District: Hamowy 27.8 %; Cohen 15.8 %; Wang 9.7 % (85 % counted).
- Hamowy raised ?$1 million; American Priorities contributed $2 million in independent spending.
- 12th District voter registration: 230,363 Democrats, 97,594 Republicans, 214,614 independents.
Official Statements & Responses
State Sen. Jim Beach publicly endorsed Mullock, indicating alignment with the South Jersey Democratic organization led by power broker George Norcross. Democratic leaders described the 2nd District as a pivotal battleground for regaining House control. Hamowy’s campaign released a statement calling the victory a “grassroots triumph” and pledging to “fight for justice” in Congress. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee noted the 12th District’s strong partisan tilt, projecting a likely Democratic hold.
Criticism & Opposition
Hamowy faced scrutiny over his past role as a defense witness for Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, a convicted conspirator in a 1995 terrorism case. Critics highlighted the connection, though Hamowy has publicly condemned violence and distanced himself from the cleric. No formal objections were recorded against Mullock’s candidacy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Voters across South Jersey made clear today that they’re ready for new leadership that will actually fight for working people and stand up to the chaos and corruption coming out of Washington,” — Zack Mullock, Mayor of Cape May
- “Meanwhile, Jeff Van Drew has spent years putting special interests ahead of South Jersey families. While our cost-of-living has skyrocketed, Van Drew continues to back policies that threaten healthcare, reproductive rights, and Social Security while doing nothing to make life more affordable for the people he represents. I will fight for South Jersey, not slash and burn Medicare and Medicaid.” — Zack Mullock
- “I ran because I believe South Jersey deserves a representative who will show up, who listens, who fights regardless of political or economic status,” — Zack Mullock
- “We were told that an outsider couldn’t win. That we couldn’t compete,” — Adam Hamowy
- “Together, we made it clear you never need to ask for permission to fight for justice.” — Adam Hamowy
- “You’ve heard throughout this race that I said over and over again: health care, not bombs; to abolish ICE; and to unrig this economy,” — Dr. Adam Hamowy
Why It Matters
The 2nd District race could determine whether Democrats can flip a seat held by a former Democrat turned Republican, influencing the balance of power in the U.S. House. The 12th District’s outcome will likely preserve a Democratic stronghold, but Hamowy’s progressive agenda may shift the party’s policy focus nationally.
What’s Next
Both nominees will launch general-election campaigns over the summer, with intensified fundraising, policy debates and voter outreach. The November 2026 elections will decide whether the Democratic Party can secure a majority in the House of Representatives.
