War and Tariffs Divide the Candidates
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett confronted each other over the war with Iran and President Donald Trump’s tariffs during their first and only debate before the November 3 midterm election. Kean defended Trump’s protectionist trade policies and military attacks on Iran, while Bennett linked both issues to public frustration with rising prices.
Kean argued that Iran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and noted the threats made by the country’s leadership against the United States. He has voted against resolutions intended to halt military action. Bennett, a Navy veteran, called the war unnecessary and urged an end to the conflict, saying it had contributed to higher gasoline prices. On tariffs, Kean described them as the president’s prerogative, while Bennett said Congress should impose limits.
Kean’s Absence Shapes the Contest
The debate also took place after Kean’s four-month absence from the House, which remained unexplained until he disclosed that he had received treatment for depression. He missed more than 100 votes before returning in June and said he had been hospitalized. Kean, a former state legislator from a prominent political family, is now seeking a third term in Congress.
Bennett is a former Navy pilot and healthcare executive who entered politics recently. She won a competitive Democratic primary in June and was viewed as a more moderate and electable candidate than some of her opponents. Her campaign is seeking to turn dissatisfaction with Trump’s approval rating, the war, and higher living costs into support in a district that remains closely divided.
A Battleground Race Draws Heavy Spending
New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District has changed party control in each of the past two midterm elections, making the race a political indicator and a major target for campaign spending. Kean won the seat in 2022 by defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski, who had removed Republican Leonard Lance from office in 2018. Redistricting after the 2020 census made the district slightly more favorable to Republicans, but Democrats still consider it a strong pickup opportunity.
Outside groups are investing millions of dollars in the contest. A super PAC connected to Trump indicated that it would spend more than $3 million to support Kean. A Democratic political action committee reserved about $2.5 million for television advertising in the New York media market to assist Bennett and another Democratic candidate. The level of spending reflects the district’s importance as Republicans defend their narrow House majority.
References
Catalini, M. (2026, September 27). New Jersey Republican Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett clash over war in Iran, tariffs. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/kean-new-jersey-bennett-congress-depression-absence-453fb108aeabce1f0370e33eedae63b5