Representative in Congress District 7 in Congressional District 7, New Jersey

2026 Primary Election

• Brian Varela — Entrepreneur, Community Leader in Long Valley, NJ

  Brian Varela is a first-generation American entrepreneur and community leader. The son of Colombian immigrants, he worked full-time while attending college and later earned an MBA. After a career in corporate America, he started a successful business that was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He is also the chair of the Morris County Democratic Party Hispanic Caucus.

• Michael Roth — Candidate for Representative in Congress in Mountainside, NJ

  Michael Roth is a small business consultant and former official at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he helped oversee pandemic relief efforts like the Paycheck Protection Program. He previously served as CEO of Next Street and co-founded the Economic Opportunity Coalition. A New Jersey native, Roth is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

• Thomas H. Kean Jr. — Incumbent Representative in Congress in Westfield, NJ

  Thomas Howard Kean Jr. is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 7th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Kean previously represented the 21st legislative district in the New Jersey Senate from 2003 to 2022, serving as minority leader from 2008 to 2022. He also served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2001 to 2003. Kean holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a master's degree from Tufts University.

• Tina Shah — Physician in Westfield, NJ

  Dr. Tina Shah is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care running for the U.S. House in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. She has served as the VA's National Director of Clinician Wellbeing and as a senior adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General. Her campaign prioritizes healthcare reform, protecting reproductive rights, addressing clinician burnout, and lowering healthcare and living costs.

• Rebecca Bennett — Candidate for Representative in Congress in Somerville, NJ

  Rebecca Bennett is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, current Air National Guard officer, and healthcare executive. During her 15 years of military service, she served as an aircraft commander and experimental test pilot. Bennett earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. After active duty, she transitioned to a business leadership role focusing on healthcare innovation and access. She is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 7th District.