By Megan O’Rourke

Former NJ 7th Congressional District Candidate

The votes have been counted and victory has been declared in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District primary. Rebecca Bennett was declared the clear victor soon after polls closed earning more than 45 percent of the vote in a four-way race. Now, Democrats must put aside our differences and rally behind our candidate if we intend to flip this seat in pursuit of the greater good for Democracy in November.

Arguably, this is the most important Congressional race in New Jersey this year. With the intense gerrymandering throughout our country, New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is considered one of only 18 toss up races out of all 435 House seats up for reelection this November. That means it is one of only a handful of seats likely to determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year. 

That is why Democrats must now put aside the divisions of the primary and rally behind our nominee. This is easier said than done. Candidates and their supporters put their hearts and souls into races investing enormous amounts of time and energy and money. By the time the primary election is called, many have spent months working 14-hour days with only distant memories of relaxing weekends. Some leave jobs and put personal savings at risk to fully commit to a cause they believe in deeply.

Before running for Congress myself, I wondered why candidates so often turn to negative tactics even against their own party members. But, after running, I understand some of the behaviors that appear counterintuitive to voters. Candidates operate under extraordinary pressures, surrounded by expectations from consultants, donors, and volunteers. In that environment, negative tactics can begin to feel like the fighting spirit necessary for a campaign’s survival. 

Rather than dwelling on divisions and negative messaging, Democrats should recognize that every candidate who entered this race stepped forward because they believed they could make a positive difference. Running for Congress is an extraordinary undertaking, and everyone who offered voters a choice deserves respect for participating in the democratic process.

As the dust settles from the primary, Democrats in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District must unify around Rebecca Bennett. Those who supported other candidates may continue to disagree about strategy, priorities, or campaign decisions, but we now share a common objective in November. We cannot allow hurt pride from our own losses to fester resentments or apathy. Rebecca Bennett is a woman of integrity and leadership rooted in her service to our country who can flip this seat blue.  

The consequences of this race extend well beyond a single congressional seat. With control of the House likely to be decided by only a handful of competitive districts across the country, every volunteer hour, every donation, and every voter contact matters. With the Republican incumbent, Tom Kean Jr., missing in action and breeding confusion about the future line-up of the race, Democrats must keep the big picture in the forefront of our minds. A Democratic victory in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District is far from certain and will require the commitment and energy of Democrats who supported every candidate in the primary.