2026 New Jersey (NJ-07) US House Voters Guide

Rebecca Bennett (D) vs Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

House of Representatives | Election | Nov 3, 2026

The Candidates

Rebecca Bennett

Rebecca Bennett

Democrat

Thomas Kean Jr.

Thomas Kean Jr.

Republican

Incumbent

The Issues

Abortion

Ban or legal?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Legal. Would “restore a woman’s right to choose at the federal level and ensure that New Jersey women’s reproductive rights and health are not infringed upon.” “I will never stop fighting until reproductive freedom is protected for every person.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mixed. In 2022, voted against putting the right to abortion into state law. In 2022 called himself “a fierce defender of the sanctity of life.” Said he supports “a woman’s right to choose with reasonable restrictions.” Would ban abortions after 20 weeks, with exceptions.

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Climate Change

Should climate change be a top priority?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Yes. “The climate crisis is here, and we do not have time to wait.” Would invest in “climate-resilient infrastructure” and “incentivize… renewable and green energy.” “We can cut costs, fight climate change, and lead the world in clean energy manufacturing.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mixed. Voted to end Biden-era clean energy tax credits. Voted to reverse efforts to address climate change and voted to increase U.S. gas and oil production. Wants “an ‘all-the-above’ energy policy to boost domestic energy production” with “wind, solar, hydro, and conventional sources.”

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Criminal Justice

How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Would “support the essential work our law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe and…build trust with the communities they police.” Wants to “ensure local law enforcement agencies have the resources and tools they need to protect New Jersey families.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Sponsored a bill providing funds to rural police departments to “modernize their facilities.” Sponsored a resolution condemning calls to defund the police. Sponsored a bill making it a federal crime to assault a police officer. In 2020, voted for mandatory diversity training for police.

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Economy

Cut or increase government investment in, and regulation of, the economy?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Increase. Wants “public-private partnerships that create good-paying jobs.” Would invest in “infrastructure upgrades,” “clean energy, biotech, AI development, and high-tech jobs.” Would “cut red tape, increase housing supply and construction, and make housing more affordable.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Cut. Voted to loosen regulation on the crypto industry. Supports “removing regulatory barriers to job creation.” In 2019 proposed a New Jersey “state spending cap.” In 2022 would halt a “reckless tax-and-spend agenda and reign in wasteful government spending.”

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Education

Use public funding for private and/or for-profit schools?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Unclear. Supports federal investment in public education. In Congress, I’ll show up for [teachers]—fighting for strong public schools, supporting educators, and making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Likely yes. Voted for a bill that included federal tax credits for donations to private school scholarships. Supports “expanding school choice.”

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Environment

Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Tighten. Would “maintain essential environmental regulations.” Would “facilitate the removal of forever chemicals, lead, and other dangerous pollutants from drinking water.” Wants to ensure that data centers “do not abuse the local water supply.” “We are going to make sure that we have clean air and clean water for…the next generation.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mostly loosen. Voted to undo controls on companies emitting seven major hazardous pollutants. Voted to end a 20-year protection against mining upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Says environmental policies should not impose “undue burdens on taxpayers and businesses.” Sponsored a bill safeguarding the Upper Raritan River.

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Gun Laws

Loosen or tighten gun laws?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Tighten. Weapons of war…should not be on our streets.” Would support “commonsense… background checks and red flag laws,” which allow courts to remove guns from people who pose a threat. Would reopen the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mixed. Voted to allow active and retired police officers to carry concealed weapons on public sites. Voted to allow federal regulation of pistols with stabilizing braces, which make the guns more effective. In the NJ Senate, voted against limiting firearm magazine capacity to 10 rounds.

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Health Care

Increase or decrease government support for health care?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Increase. “We’ve got to make sure…everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare.” Would reverse cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. Would restore Affordable Care Act subsidies. Wants “a public option to be able to give people choice.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mostly increase. Voted for bill that cut Medicaid. Voted to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Sponsored a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for two years. “We need to reduce health insurance premiums for every family.”

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Immigration

How to handle immigration?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Wants “a fair immigration process” with “clear case processing rules, humane alternatives to detention, and a pathway that keeps families together.” Opposes plans for a new ICE detention facility in Roxbury. Says ICE agents should wear ID and use judicial warrants: “We have to hold ICE accountable.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Voted to increase ICE funding by $75 billion. Voted to build 900 miles of border wall, limit asylum, and require employers to use E-Verify for new employees. “Border security is national security.” Wants “commonsense” protection for “children who have been brought to our country illegally through no fault of their own.”

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Iran

Support the war in Iran?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

No. “Military action should only be taken after every diplomatic tool has been exhausted.” Calls it “a forever war with no clear objectives or exit strategy.” Says the U.S. should work “towards sustainable long-term peace in the region.” “Ir an must never obtain a nuclear weapon.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Yes. Voted against requiring Congressional approval for U.S. military action in Iran. Called the war in Iran a “vital mission.” “After months of failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, President Trump made the necessary decision to take action.”

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Labor

Make it easier or harder for unions to organize?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Easier. “Organized labor is under assault right now from this administration.” Would “support workers’ rights and unions to ensure the right to organize and strengthen fair wage and labor laws to improve job security in New Jersey.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Easier. In 2025, voted to expand and protect federal employees’ organizing and collective bargaining rights: “I am proud to stand with…unions.”

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LGBTQ Rights

Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Expand. Would “fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights by advancing the Equality Act, ensuring that no one is discriminated against because of who they are or who they love.” Supports promoting racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equity.

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Mixed. “I support gay marriage.” Voted for a bill with a ban on gender-affirming care for children of military personnel. Voted to require parental consent before allowing children in grades 5-8 to receive gender-based accommodations.

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Minimum Wage

Raise the federal minimum from $7.25 per hour?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Yes. Would increase the federal minimum wage.I believe we should work towards up to a $25 minimum wage.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Likely no. As a NJ senator, voted against raising the minimum wage to $15. In 2017, said he would raise state minimum wage in exchange for a reduction in the income tax for the middle class.

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Tariffs

Support or oppose the administration’s tariff policies?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Oppose. “I will vote to end the trade war on our allies on day one.” “Trump’s reckless trade war has increased the cost of everything.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Support. Voted against revoking tariffs on Canada. Voted to block an anti-tariff resolution in the US House.

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Taxes

Raise or lower taxes on corporations and wealthier individuals?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Raise. Would undo “Trump tax cuts for people making more than $500,000 a year.” “Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill cut taxes for billionaires while hurting families, but we don’t have to accept a tax code that is unfair.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Lower. Voted to extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which included the largest one-time cut in the corporate tax rate and large tax breaks for the wealthy.

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Voting Rules

Make voting harder or easier?

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Easier. Would “pass vital legislation to protect Americans rights and help make it easier for people to vote.” Would “motivate Americans to get to the polls, no matter what objections or barriers the White House throws up.”

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Harder. In 2024, 2025, and 2026 voted for bills that would require proof of US citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. Said after the 2025 vote: “This is a big victory for election integrity and protecting our Democracy.”

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