Democrat Sue Altman has officially conceded defeat in New Jersey’s 7th congressional district, confirming what’s been clear since last night: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) will serve another term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Running to serve NJ-07 has been the honor of a lifetime,” Altman said in a statement. “While we didn’t achieve the result we were hoping for, I am incredibly proud of the campaign we built and the grassroots movement across NJ that continues to fight for our democracy.”
“Congressman Kean now has the responsibility to represent every person in this district,” she continued. “He must have the political courage this moment requires to defend our democracy and be the independent voice the people of NJ-07 demand. It is my genuine hope he rises to the occasion and serves us well over the next two years.”
Altman’s campaign against Kean in the 7th district, which covers a large swath of suburbs and exurbs in Central Jersey, was viewed as the most competitive race in New Jersey this year. Polls showed the race within the margin of error, and upwards of $20 million was spent on the two candidates, much of it coming from outside super PACs.
But in the end, amid great results for Republicans across New Jersey, Kean prevailed by a healthy seven-point margin, 52.5% to 45.7%. That marks a substantial improvement from 2022, when Kean first got to Congress by unseating Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) 51.4% to 48.6%, and it may dampen Democratic hopes of taking Kean down in 2026, even with Donald Trump back in the White House.
In his victory speech last night, Kean thanked both his supporters and Altman for her “spirited” campaign against him.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just a victory, but our commitment to our hard work ahead,” Kean said. “And I would like to thank my opponent, Sue Altman, for running a spirited race.”