As Election Day gets close, the race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District has become one of the most talked-about contests in the country.
Democrat Sue Altman is going head-to-head with Republican Tom Kean Jr., and what seemed like a sure win for Kean just a few weeks ago is now anyone’s game.
Altman has been gaining ground, and both parties are throwing money and energy into this race, hoping to swing undecided voters.
The last-minute $4 million boost from the House Majority PAC to Altman’s campaign shows how competitive this race has become.
This PAC, tied to the Democrats in Congress, stepped up to support Altman in her fight against Kean after recent polls showed her closing in.
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the state’s teachers’ union, also chipped in with $500,000, pushing for a win for Altman in these crucial final weeks.
NJEA’s president, Sean Spiller, praised Altman for her pro-choice values and commitment to working families, calling her the right candidate to stand up for their district’s needs.
This large contribution came after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reached out to top Democratic leaders, including House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, to encourage their support for Altman.
Recent polls show Kean leading Altman by only two points—46% for Kean to Altman’s 44%—which is very close.
Both campaigns still need to win over around 10% of undecided voters. Thus, these last few weeks are critical.
Some voters have already cast their ballots, and the race looks tight enough that any shift could make a big difference.
Kean and his Republican backers are not backing down.
America PAC, a group created by Elon Musk, is using digital ads to support Kean.
Meanwhile, the Republican Congressional Leadership Fund is spending nearly $3 million on TV ads that label Altman as a “radical liberal.”
These ads are painting Altman as someone who supports things like higher taxes, drug decriminalization, and police defunding, which they hope will push more conservative voters to choose Kean.
They are working hard to show that Altman’s views might be too far left for this mostly suburban area, which includes towns in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.
Altman’s campaign, meanwhile, portrays her as a supporter of pro-choice policies, family values, and community needs.
The House Majority PAC’s ads question Kean’s claim to be “pro-choice,” pointing out his record on reproductive rights, which they say shows he’s not the supporter he claims to be.
The ads aim to reach undecided voters, especially those concerned about women’s rights and health policies.
And the polls reveal just how tight this race really is.
Altman has been gaining much attention recently, enough for national Democrats to shift their focus and funds her way.
Initially, they had directed support to other districts in New York, but with New Jersey’s 7th District looking so close, they redirected attention to Altman.
Kean is feeling the heat as well as he tries to hold onto his seat and help the Republicans maintain their majority in the House.
His recent ads are doubling down on Altman’s past with the New Jersey Working Families Party, branding her a “radical liberal” whose policies would not align with the values of suburban New Jersey.
Altman’s supporters believe her late-game surge is due to her straightforward messaging and commitment to the district.
Some local commentators think Kean recognizes the risk, too.
His latest ad calling her “Radical Sue” suggests he feels pressure.
It plays on concerns that Altman is too extreme and could bring unwanted changes to the district.
For Altman, this is a chance to turn the tide, and she’s excited about the growing support.
At a recent Diwali event, she spoke about her commitment to the district, saying she’s focused on serving her community and won’t be swayed by outside agendas.
With national support and funding, including the House Majority PAC’s $4 million, her odds are stronger than ever.
As Election Day nears, undecided voters could make or break this race.
If Altman can appeal to these voters, she might pull off an upset and flip this important seat.
On the other hand, if Kean’s message resonates with the district’s more conservative voters, he could secure a second term.
This race in New Jersey’s 7th District is definitely one to watch, as it could impact not only the district but also the balance of power in the House.
