Somerset Democrats endorse Bennett in NJ-7 primary

Somerset County Democrats endorsed Rebecca Bennett in the primary to challenge Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), her second such county party endorsement.

Bennett, a former Navy pilot, won on the first ballot with 80 votes, breaking the 50% threshold.

“I live in Somerset County, I’m raising my girls here, and so I’m just incredibly grateful to have the support of my home county to be able to flip the seat,” she told the New Jersey Globe after the convention. “I feel really good about how the campaign is going. We’ve got a lot of momentum and support on the ground.”

Bennett entered the race with the backing of a top Somerset Democrat: County Commissioner Sara Sooy. Sooy announced her candidacy in the 7th last year, but she dropped out and endorsed Bennett in January, saying she didn’t want to prolong a costly primary. 

Brian Varela received 29 votes, Michael Roth received 25, Megan O’Rourke received 12, and Tina Shah received two votes. The Somerset County Democratic Steering Committee endorsed Bennett as well.

The Somerset victory is Bennett’s second of the county convention circuit. The veteran won a run-off against Varela in Hunterdon County. Varela, meanwhile, won an endorsement of his own in Sussex County. Warren Democrats and Morris Democrats are holding their conventions on March 21 and 22, respectively. 

Years ago, when parties held the power of the county line, these endorsements were vital to a candidate’s campaign. But endorsees now receive just a ballot slogan, which doesn’t confer the same type of game-changing electoral benefit.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.