NEW JERSEY — A new poll from Z to A Research on behalf of 314 Action Fund found that Democratic nominee and healthcare leader Rebecca Bennett leads Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. by 4 points in a head-to-head matchup for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District—and that lead grows to 5 points after voters hear about her background. Independent voters favor Bennett by a staggering 17 points (48% Bennett, 32% Kean).

The poll finds Kean deeply vulnerable heading into the 2026 cycle. His favorability is upside down—50% of likely voters view him unfavorably, compared to just 32% favorably. Donald Trump’s numbers are even worse in the district, with 56% viewing him unfavorably. Meanwhile, Bennett’s name recognition is still growing—37% of voters have not yet formed an opinion of her, representing significant room to expand her lead.

Bennett’s candidacy resonates strongly with voters who learn more about her background. After voters hear a brief biography of Bennett—her service as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and her work as a healthcare business leader helping start-ups focused on healthcare innovation—her support increases and Kean’s deficit widens further. The poll also found that 75% of voters overall would trust a doctor more than a politician to fight for affordable, quality healthcare.

To view the polling memo, click here

“This poll is a warning shot for Tom Kean Jr.,” said Erik Polyak, Executive Director of 314 Action. “He is going to lose to Rebecca Bennett – a healthcare leader, engineer and former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. Voters in NJ-7 have already had enough of Tom Kean Jr.—and they haven’t even gotten to know Bennett yet. His favorability is underwater, Trump is dragging him down, and his vote to raise healthcare costs for middle-class families to fund tax cuts for billionaires is the number one concern voters have about him. Rebecca Bennett is a veteran, a healthcare leader, and a mom who has dedicated her life to making the system work for real people. The more voters learn about her, the stronger she gets. This race is winnable, and Rebecca Bennett is the candidate to win it.”

Rebecca Bennett is a veteran, a healthcare business leader, engineer and a mom. She defended our democracy as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot before becoming a business leader helping healthcare start-ups focused on innovation. She is running for Congress to stand up to Trump’s corruption and fight for lower costs and taxes. She refuses to take corporate PAC money and will ban stock trading for Congress.