Bennett says she would back Jeffries for House Speaker

Democratic congressional nominee Rebecca Bennett said she would support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Speaker if Democrats win a majority of seats in the November 3 election.

“Yes, I will vote for him, but I’ve got to win first,” Bennett said following an event with Jeffries at Greater Mount Moriah Church in Linden.

Bennett, who is challenging Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) in New Jersey’s 7th district, welcomed Jeffries’ visit.

“I’m really glad that he’s here to hear directly from the people of Linden,” she said.

At a May debate sponsored by the New Jersey Globe and Rider University, Bennett was one of three Democratic candidates who declined to raise their hands when asked whether they would support Jeffries for speaker.  Tina Shah was the only candidate who committed to backing him.

The question came amid dissatisfaction among some Democrats over the party’s leadership and its response to President Donald Trump.

Jeffries, who has led House Democrats since 2023, would be in line to become speaker if his party wins a majority in November.

Jeffries declined to answer directly whether national Democrats will get involved in New Jersey’s 2nd district, where Democrat Zachary Mullock is challenging Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), who switched parties in 2019 after breaking with Democrats over Trump’s impeachment.

Asked whether Democrats believe they can defeat Van Drew and about his relationship with the party-switching congressman, Jeffries did not directly address their relationship or commit to investing resources in the race.

“We continue to evaluate other races all across the map,” Jeffries said. “It is clear that MAGA extremists are on the run right now in deep red Republican districts all throughout the country.”

Bennett, meanwhile, accused Kean of lying about her professional record as the two candidates enter the final weeks of their closely watched congressional contest.