Navy Helicopter Pilot Rebecca Bennett Challenges Kean Jr. to Six Debates — One in Every County of the District

Kean Jr. has refused to hold a single in-person town hall during his nearly four years in Congress

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Rebecca Bennett, former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, healthcare leader, mom of two, and candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District, challenged Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. to six general election debates — starting with the New Jersey Globe and Rider University’s debate in Union County — to give voters the chance to hear both candidates answer questions in their own backyard.

"I’ve traveled to every corner of our district and what I continue to hear is that New Jerseyans are fed up with a broken Washington and want a representative who will actually listen, show up, and put our community first,” Rebecca Bennett said. "I learned what we call ‘deck plate leadership’ in the Navy, which means leading out front and showing up no matter the challenge. That’s why I’m calling on Congressman Kean Jr. to join me in answering questions in all six counties across the district. Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has failed to show up throughout his time in Congress, choosing fundraisers in Washington over listening to us. Voters deserve to know exactly where we stand on issues like affordability, healthcare, corruption in Washington, getting money out of politics, and so much more.”

“I'll be there,” Bennett said. “The only question is whether Congressman Kean Jr. will show up."

Rebecca Bennett has appeared at over 149 events since launching her campaign, including over 68 meet and greets, and nearly 50 canvass launches. During her decisive primary win, her campaign completed over half a million voter contact attempts in NJ-07.

Bennett and Kean have already agreed to a first debate on September 27th. The Bennett campaign said it would work with media outlets and local nonpartisan civic groups in each additional county to organize moderators and formats, and called on the Kean campaign to respond to the proposed schedule as soon as possible.

Rebecca Bennett, Democratic Nominee for Congress in NJ-07, is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, officer in the Air National Guard, healthcare leader, and mom of two. Rebecca served in the Navy for over a decade as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander. After serving her country for over fifteen years in the military and making waves in healthcare innovation, Rebecca is running to unseat Tom Kean, Jr. to build a better future for our community. As a mom to two young girls, Rebecca understands first-hand the challenges of balancing work & family while navigating inflation and the rising cost of living.

For more information, please visit rebeccabennettforcongress.com