The College Democrats of New Jersey issued endorsements in two of New Jersey’s most closely watched congressional primaries over the weekend: Rebecca Bennett for the 7th district, where six Democrats want to unseat Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), and Sue Altman for the 12th district, where 17 Democrats are vying to succeed retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing).
The endorsement votes were conducted at the CDNJ’s annual convention on Saturday; vote totals were not released for either contest.
“Rebecca’s record of service as a Navy helicopter pilot and healthcare leader embodies the values we fight for: leadership, integrity, and dedication to protecting due process in New Jersey.” Alice Merolli, a junior at Rutgers and the current president of the CDNJ, said in a statement on Bennett. “We are confident in Rebecca’s ability to bring change, thoughtful solutions, and a strong voice for young people to Congress.”
The CDNJ has made a number of endorsements in recent high-profile Democratic primaries, and has usually tilted towards outwardly anti-establishment candidates: Andy Kim in the 2024 primary for U.S. Senate (an endorsement that caused quite a bit of fuss), Steve Fulop in the 2025 governor’s race, and just recently Analilia Mejia in the special Democratic primary for the 11th congressional district.
Some of that same grassroots energy could now be gathering around Bennett and Altman; Altman’s most recent job was as Kim’s state director, and she has a long history in state progressive circles.
“We are inspired by Sue’s experience fighting for the people of New Jersey and having the strength to stand up to injustice,” Merolli said of Altman. “Sue’s work in the New Jersey Working Families Alliance and with Senator Andy Kim gives us great confidence in her ability to bring meaningful, positive change for young people.”
Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, has also found success among the more traditional party organizations in the 7th district, having won the endorsement yesterday of the Hunterdon County Democrats.
The 12th district is home to some of New Jersey’s best-known colleges and universities, among them Princeton University, the College of New Jersey, and Thomas Edison State University; the main campus of Rutgers University isn’t far from its borders, either. The 7th district has less of a strong collegiate presence, though it does include the main campus of Centenary University and a handful of community colleges.