Gov. Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and Senate President Nicholas Scutari made a rare joint campaign appearance on Monday to rally support for Rebecca Bennett, bringing New Jersey’s three most prominent Democrats together on the eve of an election that could determine whether Republicans retain control of the House.
The show of Democratic firepower came as Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, makes her final push to unseat Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) in New Jersey’s closely watched 7th Congressional District.
Bennett said nearly 2,000 volunteers have been canvassing neighborhoods across the district, reflecting the grassroots enthusiasm Democrats hope will translate into votes on Tuesday.
“We’ve had almost two thousand volunteers out across the district that are knocking doors, so we’re seeing a ton of grassroots momentum,” Bennett said.
Sherrill credited Bennett with turning the race into a major Democratic pickup opportunity.
“When this all started, Rebecca’s race was the tip of the spear,” Sherrill said. “She’s made it look easy; she’s worked her butt off.”
“The enthusiasm and engagement across the state have been amazing,” Sherrill said.
The governor suggested that Bennett’s success in making the 7th District competitive has encouraged Democrats to look for opportunities in other Republican-held congressional districts, including South Jersey, where Democrat Zach Mullock is challenging Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis).
“Now We’re eyeing Zach Mullock,” Sherrill said, describing his race as one that “was almost seen that might be a bridge too far.”
Kim, who has campaigned with Bennett, said voters are increasingly scrutinizing Kean’s record while responding to Bennett’s military service background.
“As I’ve been going around with Rebecca, yes, people are paying attention to what Tom Kean hasn’t done for the district,” Kim said. “This isn’t just about voting against someone; this is about voting for somebody and somebody who has been a public servant,” he said.
“Someone who served this nation and someone who will continue to lead with integrity,” Kim added.
Booker praised Bennett as a candidate willing to stand up for her constituents regardless of partisan considerations.
“That will stand up for their community, that will show up for people, that will be willing to call balls and strikes no matter who it is,” Booker said of Bennett.
He also framed Tuesday’s election as a test of the country’s political direction, warning about the threat of authoritarianism and the need for elected officials willing to challenge it.
“When we start lurching toward authoritarianism, we will have somebody who will pull us back on track,” Booker said.
“This election is not about left or right; it is about right and wrong,” he added.
Bennett said her campaign was motivated by concerns extending well beyond the outcome of a single congressional election.
“For me, this is about what version of the country we’re leaving for my daughters and her kids and the next generation,” Bennett said.
Kim also weighed in on a controversy in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, criticizing Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, who was first elected to Congress alongside Kim and Sherrill in 2018, for endorsing Republican Mike Rogers after previously supporting Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
“I thought it was a stupid move; it’s just not focused on what is actually at stake,” Kim said. “When you look at it, there is no possible way the Republican Candidate is going to be somebody working to lower costs.”
Kim said he could not understand the political reasoning behind Stevens’ decision.
“I don’t understand all the personal and the politics going on there, but it made zero sense,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Kim predicted that El-Sayed would prevail.
“I think the people of Michigan already see the contrast and they’re going to vote for Abdul,” Kim stated.