New Jersey’s congressional races have confirmed many winners, but some contests remain too close to call. Key updates include primary results and upcoming special elections for the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s seat.
[su_box title=”Key Takeaways” box_color=”#003F81″ radius=”9″]
- Several New Jersey congressional races have been decided, with many incumbents and new candidates securing their positions.
- The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. won his primary posthumously, leading to a special convention to select his replacement.
- The race for Rep. Andy Kim’s seat in District 3 is ongoing. Herb Conaway won the Democratic nomination.
[/su_box]
Decided and Close Races in New Jersey
While many races in New Jersey have been decided, some are still too close to call. Here is a detailed update on the results and upcoming special elections.
Confirmed Winners
Several incumbents and new candidates have secured their positions for the fall congressional elections. The Associated Press called these races, many of which were uncontested:
- Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1)
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2)
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-4)
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5)
- Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6)
- Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-7)
- Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9)
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11)
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12)
Races have also been called for:
- Matt Jenkins (D-4)
- Scott Fegler (R-6)
- Sue Altman (D-7)
- Anthony Valdes (R-8)
- Carmen Bucco (R-10)
- Darius Mayfield (R-12)
Donald Payne Jr.’s Seat
The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. won his primary for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District posthumously.
After the election results are certified, the county Democratic Party committees will decide who will replace him on the ballot.
There will be a special primary in July and a general election in September to determine who will serve the rest of Payne’s term.
Andy Kim’s Seat in District 3
In District 3, there was no incumbent because Rep. Andy Kim is running for the Senate seat held by Sen. Bob Menendez. The Democratic candidates were:
- Herb Conaway (winner called shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday)
- Carol Murphy
- Joe Cohn
- Sarah Schoengood
- Brian Schkeeper
For the Republicans in District 3, the candidates were:
- Rajesh Mohan
- Shirley Maia-Cusick (separated by about 3,500 votes with 47% counted)
Special Election for NJ-10
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, even though he passed away.
After the results are certified on June 17, local county parties will schedule a special election convention before August 29 to choose his replacement.
Special Election Details:
- Primary: July 16
- General Election: September 18
This special election will allow the winner to serve the last three months of Payne’s term. Democratic leaders may choose the general election nominee after the July primary, but the primary winner is not guaranteed the nomination.
Leading Democratic Candidates:
- LaMonica McIver (Newark Council President, endorsed by the Payne family)
- Brittany Claybrooks (Former East Orange Councilwoman)
- Jerry Walker (Hudson County Commissioner)
- Darryl Godfrey (State economic development official)
- Shana Melius (Former Payne staffer)
- Derek Armstead (Linden Mayor)
- John Flora (Teacher)
- Sheila Montague (Former Newark mayoral candidate)
- Debra Salters (Activist)
- Alberta Gordon (Local Democratic district leader)
- Eugene Mazo (Law professor)
Republican Nominee:
- Carmen Bucco (for both the regular and special elections)
Payne Family Endorses LaMonica McIver
LaMonica McIver received an endorsement from the family of the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.
William D. Payne, Donald Payne Jr.’s uncle, praised McIver for her experience and dedication to important community issues.
McIver, the youngest-ever Newark Council President, is also endorsed by major Democratic committees.
McIver thanked the Payne family for their support and promised to work hard for New Jersey residents in Washington, D.C.
Future Developments in New Jersey’s Congressional Races
Many incumbents and new candidates have secured their spots in New Jersey’s congressional races, which will be held in the upcoming fall elections.
However, some races remain too close to call. Key figures like Rep. Donald Norcross and Rep. Jeff Van Drew have already been confirmed as winners, while others await final results.
The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s seat is being filled through a special election process, with multiple candidates vying to serve the remainder of his term.
LaMonica McIver, endorsed by the Payne family, is a strong contender in this race.
The upcoming special elections and remaining close contests will shape the political landscape as New Jersey moves forward. Stay tuned for further updates on these important developments.
