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Kean and Bennett clash over Iran war and tariffs in sole debate

By The Likely · Updated Sep 28, 5:21 PM ET · Drawn from 10 sources · Written by AI, checked against sources

NJ-07 saw Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett face off on September 27 in their only scheduled debate. Cook carries the race as a toss-up, while Sabato's Crystal Ball leans Democratic.

Why it mattersNew Jersey's 7th Congressional District is a closely watched, competitive seat where 39% of likely voters view Kean as very unfavorable.

Who will win New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District election? Rebecca Bennett (D) leadsVery likely90%

How we got here

  1. Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Newpolitics
  2. Kean disclosed a depression diagnosis following a nearly four-month absence from the Capitol. Dailyrecord
  3. A poll placed Bennett at 47% and Kean at 42%, within the margin of error. Njspotlightnews
  4. Thirty-nine percent of likely voters viewed Kean as very unfavorable. Whyy
  5. Kean and Bennett debated at Hamilton Stage in Rahway in their first and expected only debate. Dailyrecord, Newjerseyglobe
  6. The candidates clashed over the Iran war and tariffs during the debate. AP
  7. New Jersey held its early-voting period for the general election. Warrennj

What's likely next

  1. New Jersey early voting is scheduled for October 24 through November 1, 2026.

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