Bennett raises over $125k in first 24 hours as congressional candidate

When it comes to first-time candidates without a lot of political connections, one of the earliest ways to make a name for oneself is through campaign fundraising. Rebecca Bennett, a brand-new Democratic candidate for the 7th congressional district, is off to a strong start in that department.

Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot who now works in the healthcare industry, raised more than $125,000 during her first 24 hours in the race, a huge sum for such a short timeframe. The donations came from a total of 629 donors and averaged $201, her campaign said.

“The outpouring of support we’ve received since launching this campaign is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has already helped position us for success,” Bennett said in a statement. “It’s clear that people are ready for a new generation of leadership to restore common sense, dignity and compassionate, competent government to Washington.”

Inflation makes direct comparisons difficult, but Bennett’s initial haul is one of the largest first-day fundraising totals in New Jersey history. The 2024 nominee for the 7th congressional district, Sue Altman, was a tremendously strong fundraiser who ultimately raised more than $6.2 million for her campaign – but it still took her campaign a week to reach the $100,000 threshold.

Bennett’s ultimate goal will be to take down Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), a two-term Republican who unseated Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) in 2022. Kean defeated Altman 52% to 46% in 2024, but the 7th district in suburban Central and North Jersey was one of the closest districts in the nation on the presidential level, and Kean is likely in for another hotly contested race in 2026.

But in order to reach Kean at all, Bennett may have to get through a busy Democratic primary, one that could include other candidates better known in the 7th district (Malinowski or Altman possibly among them). Bennett is the only candidate in the race for now, but that won’t be true for long; her early fundraising, though, is strong enough that anyone else entering the race will know she’s someone to be taken seriously.

This story was updated at 9:19 a.m. with a correction: the average donation was $201, not $185.