NJ-7 Democrat Michael Roth raises $175,000 in his first day as a candidate

Michael Roth, a former Biden administration official running for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district, raised a gargantuan $175,000 on the day he announced he would challenge two-term Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. in the state’s most competitive House seat.

The massive fundraising haul puts Roth on the map as he seeks the Democratic nomination to take on Kean for a district that went for Joe Biden by four points in 2020 and Donald Trump by one point in 2024.

“This is just the beginning,” Roth said.  “The response we’ve seen so far is a loud and clear signal that people are hungry for new leadership—and we’re ready to deliver it.”

Kean was re-elected by five points last year after unseating a two-term congressman, Tom Malinowski, by three points in 2022.

Democrats are bullish on their chances in Donald Trump’s mid-term election next year, and yesterday Roth became the fourth Democrat to join the race so far.  He faces former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett, former Summit Councilman Greg Vartan, and former Forward Party leader Brian Varela as possible Kean opponents.  More candidates could follow.

“This incredible response shows what we already knew– people are excited for a leader who knows how to fix the economy and get things done,” said Roth. “We’re building a campaign focused on delivering results, restoring trust, and making sure government works for the people and communities it’s meant to serve.”

A Westfield resident, Roth grew up in Millburn, an Essex town that was part of the 7th district for a decade before the last round of redistricting; Kean grew up next door in Livingston.  Roth had made his career in the finance industry, working in the housing and small business sectors after graduating from Lehigh University and the Wharton School.

Early in the Biden administration, Roth served as the interim head of the Small Business Administration while the president’s nominee awaited Senate confirmation.

Bennett raised $427,718 in her first two months as a candidate, and Vartan brought in $101,269.  Varela announced on April 10 that he had raised $153,000 in his first day as a candidate.

Roth said his record shows a proven ability to lead during a crisis.

“This campaign isn’t going to win with slogans. We’re going to win with real and practical solutions that address the needs of people here in the 7th district,” Roth stated. “We’re going to show people that politics and governance doesn’t have to be broken. With the right leadership and grassroots energy, we can make progress on the issues that matter—affordability, freedom, and opportunity.”