United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey, 2008
Encyclopedia
The 2008 congressional elections in New Jersey were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent the state
of New Jersey
in the United States House of Representatives
. New Jersey has thirteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress
from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election
.
The statewide Party primary elections were held June 3, 2008.
District 3 was the only seat which changed party (from open Republican to Democratic), although CQ Politics had forecasted districts 3, 5 and 7 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.
This district contains all or parts of Burlington
, Camden
and Gloucester
counties. Rob Andrews
was the Democratic nominee and the Saints Prison Ministry founder Dale Glading was the Republican nominee. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
Incumbent Democrat Rob Andrews, in a surprise move on April 2, 2008, announced that he would be challenging incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg
in the Democratic primary in June. His House seat, which is reliably Democratic (CPVI: D+14), thus became an open seat. The filing deadline for primary candidates was April 7, leaving only a few days for candidates to declare.
Andrews' wife, Camille Andrews
, won the Democratic primary for his seat in the House, while Andrews himself was beaten by Lautenberg in the Senate primary. After this defeat, Rob Andrews decided to run for re-election to his House seat; Camille withdrew her candidacy on September 3, and Rob Andrews announced that on September 4 that he would take her place as the Democratic candidate. He maintained that his wife had not been merely a placeholder candidate and said that he had only decided to run for re-election a week before he announced it; according to Andrews, his change of heart was a result of personal reflection.
Andrews easily won re-election on November 4, receiving 71.9% of the vote.
This district lies in the southern part of the state, containing all or portions of Atlantic
, Burlington
, Camden
, Cape May
:
Cumberland
, Gloucester
and Salem
counties. It has been represented by Republican Frank LoBiondo
since 1995, and he ran for re-election in 2008. The Democratic nominee was Cape May city councilman Dave Kurkowski (campaign website). Other candidates included Green
Jason Grover, Socialist
Constantino Rozzo, Peter Boyce for the Constitution Party
, and Independent Gary Stein. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
LoBiondo defeated Kurkowski in the general election by a margin of almost 20%.
This district contains all or portions of Burlington
, Camden
and Ocean
counties. The Republican nominee was Chris Myers
, Mayor of Medford, VP of Lockheed Martin, and Gulf War
veteran. The Democratic nominee was State Senator John Adler
, a candidate who faced an outsider disadvantage in that the only city that is in both the 3rd Congressional District and his legislative district is his home town of Cherry Hill. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.
Incumbent Republican Jim Saxton
announced that he would retire at the end of his current term.. This district is historically Republican, but George W. Bush
barely won with 51% to 49% for John Kerry
in 2004 (CPVI=D+3). Also, Al Gore won this district by a significant margin in 2000. Some Democrats think that Saxton had managed to keep his seat for so long (since 1984) because he rarely faced credible opposition.
A mid-September internal poll by McLaughlin & Associates showed Myers defeating Adler by a margin of 33% to 29%, with a plurality of voters - 37% - undecided. . The poll attributed Myers’ lead to a general dissatisfaction among voters towards Adler’s negative ads and negative mailers from various political committees supporting the Democrat. It also indicated that Adler’s low approval ratings were partially due to the perception that he is a “career politician” and the fact that he is an Ivy League-educated lawyer. Adler’s association with unpopular Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine also hurt him, while Myers was helped from his endorsement by incumbent Rep. Jim Saxton, who held a 53 percent favorable rating. .
However, later polls indicated that the race was too close to call.
In the closest congressional race in New Jersey in 2008, Adler narrowly won the open seat, with 51.7% of the vote to Myers' 48.3%.
Many credit Adler's narrow victory to massive turnouts in liberal and African American towns such as Willingboro and Cherry Hill
.
This district lies in the central part of the state, including all or portions of Burlington County
, Mercer
, Monmouth
and Ocean
counties. It has been represented by Republican Chris Smith since 1981. The Democratic nominee was author and teacher Josh Zeitz (campaign website). CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
Smith won re-election in a landslide, garnering about 100,000 more votes than his Democratic challenger.
This district contains most of the Northern New Jersey Skylands Region
of Sussex and Warren counties and stretches along the New York border into Northern Passaic and Bergen Counties, including the townships of Paramus and Ridgewood
and tends to lean Republican. Republican incumbent Scott Garrett
had been elected by safe margins in the past but in 2006 he only won by 10 points against Paul Aronsohn, the smallest margin of his career. The Democratic nominee was Rabbi Dennis Shulman
. Garrett was the only incumbent in the state thought to possibly be at risk. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Republican Favored'.
Shulman's campaign enjoyed a successful fundraising operation, heavy funding from the Democratic Party, extensive coverage in the press including newspaper endorsements, and the Democratic wave sweeping the nation as Barack Obama
ran for president. However, Garrett was able to defeat Shulman by 14% in the general election and will begin his fourth term in the House of Representatives in 2009.
This district lies in the east-central part of the state, including all or portions of Middlesex
, Monmouth
, Somerset
and Union
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Frank Pallone
since 1993. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'. Republican Robert McLeod, a retired municipal prosecutor and municipal judge and former Keyport borough councilman, ran against Pallone, who was re-elected with about two-thirds of the vote.
This district contains portions of Hunterdon
, Middlesex
, Somerset
and Union
counties. The Republican nominee was State Senator (and outgoing Senate Minority Leader) Leonard Lance
of Hunterdon County. Assemblywoman Linda Stender
was the Democratic nominee for the second consecutive election. Bridgewater Councilman Michael Hsing ran as an independent. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.
Republican Mike Ferguson
barely won his re-election bid in 2006, edging state Assemblywoman Linda Stender
by 50% to 48%. In a major surprise, Ferguson announced that he would not run for reelection. George W. Bush
narrowly won this district with 53% to 46% for John Kerry
in 2004 (CPVI=R+1).
After a tight race in which the two candidates polled fairly evenly for a long time, debated each other twice, and received heavy funding from their respective parties, Lance won the election with 50.8% of the vote.
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
and Passaic
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Bill Pascrell since 1997. With Pascrell running for a seventh term, CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
The Republican nominee was Roland Straten, a professional engineer and United States Navy
veteran from Paterson.
In the general election, the heavily Democratic district gave 70.9% of the vote to Pascrell -- a landslide on par with his 71% against Jose Sandoval in 2006.
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Bergen
and Hudson
and Passaic
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Steve Rothman
since 1997, and in 2008 he announced that he would seek another term in Congress. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
The Republican nominee was Vince Micco, a retired United States Army
officer who had served nine years in the military, including one in the Iraq War as a sergeant
in a counter-intelligence unit.
Receiving 67.9% of the vote in the general election, Rothman was able to win re-election fairly easily.
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
, Hudson
and Union
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Donald M. Payne
since 1989. Payne ran unopposed in 2006. In 2008, the Republicans again failed to nominate a candidate to oppose Payne, but the Socialist Workers Party
nominated Michael Taber, an editor. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
Payne was re-elected in a landslide, garnering 99% of the vote.
This district lies in the north-central part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
, Morris
, Passaic
, Somerset
and Sussex
counties. It has been represented by Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen
since 1995. The Democratic nominee is Tom Wyka (campaign website) of Parsippany-Troy Hills, a certified project manager in the information technology
industry who was also the nominee in 2006. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
The turnout for this election was much higher than the 2006 contest, but the result was more or less the same: Frelinghuysen defeated Wyka with roughly 62% of the vote.
This district lies in the central part of the state, including all or portions of Hunterdon
, Mercer
, Middlesex
, Monmouth
and Somerset
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Rush D. Holt Jr.
since 1999. The Republican nominee was Alan Bateman, the deputy mayor
of Holmdel Township
. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
62.5% of the vote went to Holt, giving him a sixth term in Congress.
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
, Hudson
, Middlesex
and Union
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Albio Sires
since November 2006. Sires' Republican challenger was Joseph Turula, a partner in the Jersey City law firm of Turula & Garcia, who served six years on the borough council of Pompton Lakes before moving to Jersey City. Louis Vernotico, a three-time failed candidate for New Jersey Senate
, made his first bid for federal office under the slogan "Eliminate the Primary."
CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
In the general election, the heavily Democratic 13th District elected Sires to his second full term. He received 75.3% of the vote, compared to 21.9% for Turula and 2.8% for Vernotico.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
in the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. New Jersey has thirteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress
111th United States Congress
The One Hundred Eleventh United States Congress was the meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government from January 3, 2009 until January 3, 2011. It began during the last two weeks of the George W. Bush administration, with the remainder spanning the first two years of...
from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
.
The statewide Party primary elections were held June 3, 2008.
District 3 was the only seat which changed party (from open Republican to Democratic), although CQ Politics had forecasted districts 3, 5 and 7 to be at some risk for the incumbent party.
Match-up summary
| District | Incumbent | 2008 Status | Democratic | Republican | Other Party | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 New Jersey's 1st congressional district New Jersey's 1st congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of New Jersey.The current U.S. Representative from the 1st district is Democrat Rob Andrews... |
Rob Andrews Rob Andrews Robert Ernest "Rob" Andrews is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1990. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes most of Camden County and parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County.... |
Re-election | Rob Andrews Rob Andrews Robert Ernest "Rob" Andrews is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1990. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes most of Camden County and parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County.... |
Dale Glading | ||
| 2 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district New Jersey's Second Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Frank LoBiondo.-Counties and municipalities in the district:... |
Frank LoBiondo Frank LoBiondo Frank A. LoBiondo is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is at the southern end of New Jersey, and by far the biggest Congressional District in the state... |
Re-election | Dave Kurkowski | Frank LoBiondo Frank LoBiondo Frank A. LoBiondo is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is at the southern end of New Jersey, and by far the biggest Congressional District in the state... |
Jason Grover, Constantino Rozzo, Peter Boyce |
David Gary Stein |
| 3 New Jersey's 3rd congressional district New Jersey's Third Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Jon Runyan. It is a swing district, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+1. Former NFL player Republican Jon Runyan defeated John Adler in the 2010 House elections... |
Jim Saxton Jim Saxton Hugh James "Jim" Saxton is an American Republican Party politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He represented from 1984 to 1993. From 1993 to 2009, he represented .-Life:... |
Open | John Adler John Adler John Herbert Adler was a U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He was formerly a member of the New Jersey Senate from 1992 to 2009, where he represented the 6th Legislative District. The district stretches from the suburbs of Philadelphia... |
Chris Myers Chris Myers (New Jersey) Chris Myers is an American business executive and politician, currently serving as Mayor in Medford, New Jersey. He was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district, a seat which was open due to the retirement of incumbent Jim Saxton, in 2008.-Biography:Myers was... |
||
| 4 New Jersey's 4th congressional district New Jersey's 4th Congressional District elects one member of congress by the first past the post method, it is currently represented by Republican Chris Smith. He has represented the district since 1981.... |
Chris Smith | Re-election | Josh Zeitz | Chris Smith | ||
| 5 New Jersey's 5th congressional district New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Scott Garrett. Garrett defeated Democrat Paul Aronsohn and independent candidate R. Matthew Fretz 55%-44% in the United States general elections, 2006.... |
Scott Garrett Scott Garrett Ernest Scott Garrett is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes much of the northwestern portion of the state... |
Re-election | Dennis Shulman Dennis Shulman Dennis G. Shulman is an American clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, author, teacher, and ordained rabbi who was the Democratic nominee for the United States Congress in New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District... |
Scott Garrett Scott Garrett Ernest Scott Garrett is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes much of the northwestern portion of the state... |
||
| 6 New Jersey's 6th congressional district New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Frank Pallone. In the 2010 election, Pallone defeated Republican Anna C... |
Frank Pallone Frank Pallone Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:... |
Re-election | Frank Pallone Frank Pallone Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:... |
Robert McLeod | ||
| 7 New Jersey's 7th congressional district New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Leonard Lance.In the 2008 election, Mike Ferguson did not seek another term. Linda Stender won the Democratic nomination unopposed, while Republican primary voters chose State Senator Leonard Lance in a field of... |
Mike Ferguson | Open | Linda Stender Linda Stender Linda Stender is an American Democratic Party politician who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where she represents the 22nd legislative district. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 7th District, in 2006 and... |
Leonard Lance Leonard Lance Leonard Lance is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2009. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly.... |
Michael Hsing | |
| 8 New Jersey's 8th congressional district New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Bill Pascrell.-Counties and municipalities in the district:For the 108th and successive Congresses , the district contains all, or portions of 2 counties and 21 municipalities.Essex County:Passaic County:2010... |
Bill Pascrell | Re-election | Bill Pascrell | Roland Straten | ||
| 9 New Jersey's 9th congressional district New Jersey's Ninth Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Steve Rothman.-Counties and municipalities in the district:For the 108th and successive Congresses , the district contains all or portions of three counties and 37 municipalities:Bergen County:Hudson CountyPassaic... |
Steve Rothman Steve Rothman Steven R. "Steve" Rothman is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:Rothman attended Washington University Law School... |
Re-election | Steve Rothman Steve Rothman Steven R. "Steve" Rothman is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:Rothman attended Washington University Law School... |
Vince Micco | ||
| 10 New Jersey's 10th congressional district New Jersey's Tenth Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Donald M. Payne.-Counties and municipalities in the district:For the 108th and successive Congresses , the district contains all or portions of 3 counties and 16 municipalities.Essex County:Hudson County:Union... |
Donald M. Payne Donald M. Payne Donald Milford "Don" Payne is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1989. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district encompasses most of the city of Newark, parts of Jersey City and Elizabeth, and some suburban communities in Essex and Union counties... |
Re-election | Donald M. Payne Donald M. Payne Donald Milford "Don" Payne is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1989. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district encompasses most of the city of Newark, parts of Jersey City and Elizabeth, and some suburban communities in Essex and Union counties... |
Michael Taber | ||
| 11 New Jersey's 11th congressional district New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District is currently represented by Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen. The district is a suburban Republican-leaning district that is centered in Morris County.... |
Rodney Frelinghuysen Rodney Frelinghuysen Rodney P. Frelinghuysen is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education and career:... |
Re-election | Tom Wyka | Rodney Frelinghuysen Rodney Frelinghuysen Rodney P. Frelinghuysen is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education and career:... |
||
| 12 New Jersey's 12th congressional district New Jersey's Twelfth Congressional district is currently represented by Democrat Rush D. Holt Jr. The district is known for its research centers and educational institutions such as Princeton University, Institute for Advanced Study, Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb.-Voting trends:The... |
Rush D. Holt Jr. Rush D. Holt Jr. Rush Dew Holt, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Democratic Party. He is currently the only Quaker in Congress.-Early life and education :Rush D. Holt was born to Rush D... |
Re-election | Rush D. Holt Jr. Rush D. Holt Jr. Rush Dew Holt, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Democratic Party. He is currently the only Quaker in Congress.-Early life and education :Rush D. Holt was born to Rush D... |
Alan Bateman | David Corsi | |
| 13 New Jersey's 13th congressional district New Jersey's Thirteenth Congressional District was created starting with the 73rd United States Congress in 1933, based on redistricting following the United States Census, 1930. It is currently represented by Democrat Albio Sires... |
Albio Sires Albio Sires Albio Sires is the U.S. Representative for , serving since a special election in 2006. The district includes most of Jersey City, as well as most of the Latino neighborhoods of Newark. He is a member of the Democratic Party... |
Re-election | Albio Sires Albio Sires Albio Sires is the U.S. Representative for , serving since a special election in 2006. The district includes most of Jersey City, as well as most of the Latino neighborhoods of Newark. He is a member of the Democratic Party... |
Joseph Turula | Louis Vernotico |
District 1
This district contains all or parts of Burlington
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
, Camden
Camden County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the 2010 Census the population of Camden County was 60.28% Non-Hispanic white, 18.45% Non-Hispanic black, 1.12% Hispanic blacks, 0.17% Non-Hispanic Native American, 0.15% Hispanic Native Americans, 5.07% Non-Hispanic Asian, and 0.14% non-Hispanics reporting some other race...
and Gloucester
Gloucester County, New Jersey
Gloucester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 288,288. Its county seat is Woodbury....
counties. Rob Andrews
Rob Andrews
Robert Ernest "Rob" Andrews is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1990. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district includes most of Camden County and parts of Burlington County and Gloucester County....
was the Democratic nominee and the Saints Prison Ministry founder Dale Glading was the Republican nominee. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
Incumbent Democrat Rob Andrews, in a surprise move on April 2, 2008, announced that he would be challenging incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg
Frank Lautenberg
Frank Raleigh Lautenberg is the senior United States Senator from New Jersey and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automatic Data Processing, Inc.-Early life, career, and family:...
in the Democratic primary in June. His House seat, which is reliably Democratic (CPVI: D+14), thus became an open seat. The filing deadline for primary candidates was April 7, leaving only a few days for candidates to declare.
Andrews' wife, Camille Andrews
Camille Andrews
Camille Spinello Andrews is an American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey, who was initially a candidate in the 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey, running to represent .-Nomination:...
, won the Democratic primary for his seat in the House, while Andrews himself was beaten by Lautenberg in the Senate primary. After this defeat, Rob Andrews decided to run for re-election to his House seat; Camille withdrew her candidacy on September 3, and Rob Andrews announced that on September 4 that he would take her place as the Democratic candidate. He maintained that his wife had not been merely a placeholder candidate and said that he had only decided to run for re-election a week before he announced it; according to Andrews, his change of heart was a result of personal reflection.
Andrews easily won re-election on November 4, receiving 71.9% of the vote.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 2
This district lies in the southern part of the state, containing all or portions of Atlantic
Atlantic County, New Jersey
-National protected areas:* Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge * Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
, Burlington
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
, Camden
Camden County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the 2010 Census the population of Camden County was 60.28% Non-Hispanic white, 18.45% Non-Hispanic black, 1.12% Hispanic blacks, 0.17% Non-Hispanic Native American, 0.15% Hispanic Native Americans, 5.07% Non-Hispanic Asian, and 0.14% non-Hispanics reporting some other race...
, Cape May
Cape May County, New Jersey
-Climate:Being the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May has fairly mild wintertime temperatures. Contrary to that, the summertime has lower temperatures than most places in the state, making the county a popular place to escape the heat. It is in zone 7a/7b, which is the same as parts of...
:
Cumberland
Cumberland County, New Jersey
Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population is 156,898. Its county seat is Bridgeton. Cumberland County is named for Prince William, Duke of Cumberland....
, Gloucester
Gloucester County, New Jersey
Gloucester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 288,288. Its county seat is Woodbury....
and Salem
Salem County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 64,285 people, 24,295 households, and 17,370 families residing in the county. The population density was 190 people per square mile . There were 26,158 housing units at an average density of 77 per square mile...
counties. It has been represented by Republican Frank LoBiondo
Frank LoBiondo
Frank A. LoBiondo is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is at the southern end of New Jersey, and by far the biggest Congressional District in the state...
since 1995, and he ran for re-election in 2008. The Democratic nominee was Cape May city councilman Dave Kurkowski (campaign website). Other candidates included Green
Green Party (United States)
The Green Party of the United States is a nationally recognized political party which officially formed in 1991. It is a voluntary association of state green parties. Prior to national formation, many state affiliates had already formed and were recognized by other state parties...
Jason Grover, Socialist
Socialist Party USA
The Socialist Party USA is a multi-tendency democratic-socialist party in the United States. The party states that it is the rightful continuation and successor to the tradition of the Socialist Party of America, which had lasted from 1901 to 1972.The party is officially committed to left-wing...
Constantino Rozzo, Peter Boyce for the Constitution Party
Constitution Party (United States)
The Constitution Party is a paleoconservative political party in the United States. It was founded as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party by Howard Philips in 1991. Phillips was the party's candidate in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 presidential elections...
, and Independent Gary Stein. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
LoBiondo defeated Kurkowski in the general election by a margin of almost 20%.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 3
This district contains all or portions of Burlington
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
, Camden
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
and Ocean
Ocean County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 803 people per square mile . There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km²...
counties. The Republican nominee was Chris Myers
Chris Myers (New Jersey)
Chris Myers is an American business executive and politician, currently serving as Mayor in Medford, New Jersey. He was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district, a seat which was open due to the retirement of incumbent Jim Saxton, in 2008.-Biography:Myers was...
, Mayor of Medford, VP of Lockheed Martin, and Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
veteran. The Democratic nominee was State Senator John Adler
John Adler
John Herbert Adler was a U.S. Representative for , serving from 2009 until 2011. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He was formerly a member of the New Jersey Senate from 1992 to 2009, where he represented the 6th Legislative District. The district stretches from the suburbs of Philadelphia...
, a candidate who faced an outsider disadvantage in that the only city that is in both the 3rd Congressional District and his legislative district is his home town of Cherry Hill. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.
Incumbent Republican Jim Saxton
Jim Saxton
Hugh James "Jim" Saxton is an American Republican Party politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He represented from 1984 to 1993. From 1993 to 2009, he represented .-Life:...
announced that he would retire at the end of his current term.. This district is historically Republican, but George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
barely won with 51% to 49% for John Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
in 2004 (CPVI=D+3). Also, Al Gore won this district by a significant margin in 2000. Some Democrats think that Saxton had managed to keep his seat for so long (since 1984) because he rarely faced credible opposition.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
A mid-September internal poll by McLaughlin & Associates showed Myers defeating Adler by a margin of 33% to 29%, with a plurality of voters - 37% - undecided. . The poll attributed Myers’ lead to a general dissatisfaction among voters towards Adler’s negative ads and negative mailers from various political committees supporting the Democrat. It also indicated that Adler’s low approval ratings were partially due to the perception that he is a “career politician” and the fact that he is an Ivy League-educated lawyer. Adler’s association with unpopular Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine also hurt him, while Myers was helped from his endorsement by incumbent Rep. Jim Saxton, who held a 53 percent favorable rating. .
However, later polls indicated that the race was too close to call.
In the closest congressional race in New Jersey in 2008, Adler narrowly won the open seat, with 51.7% of the vote to Myers' 48.3%.
Many credit Adler's narrow victory to massive turnouts in liberal and African American towns such as Willingboro and Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill
-Places:In the United States:* Cherry Hills Village, Colorado* Cherry Hill, Baltimore, Maryland, a neighborhood** Cherry Hill in Maryland*Cherry Hill, Michigan, an unincorporated community in Canton Township, Michigan....
.
District 4
This district lies in the central part of the state, including all or portions of Burlington County
Burlington County, New Jersey
There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had...
, Mercer
Mercer County, New Jersey
As of the census of 2000, there were 350,761 people, 125,807 households, and 86,303 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,552 people per square mile . There were 133,280 housing units at an average density of 590 per square mile...
, Monmouth
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
and Ocean
Ocean County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 803 people per square mile . There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km²...
counties. It has been represented by Republican Chris Smith since 1981. The Democratic nominee was author and teacher Josh Zeitz (campaign website). CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
Smith won re-election in a landslide, garnering about 100,000 more votes than his Democratic challenger.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 5
This district contains most of the Northern New Jersey Skylands Region
Skylands Region
The Skylands Region is a marketing area of the State of New Jersey located in the Northern and Central part of the state. It is one of six tourism regions established by the New Jersey State Department of Tourism, the others being the Gateway Region, Greater Atlantic City Region, the Southern...
of Sussex and Warren counties and stretches along the New York border into Northern Passaic and Bergen Counties, including the townships of Paramus and Ridgewood
Ridgewood
Ridgewood is the name of several places:in Australia*Ridgewood, Western Australiain Canada*Ridgewood, Ontarioin England*Ridgewood, East Sussex village on the outskirts of Uckfield in East Sussexin the United States...
and tends to lean Republican. Republican incumbent Scott Garrett
Scott Garrett
Ernest Scott Garrett is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district includes much of the northwestern portion of the state...
had been elected by safe margins in the past but in 2006 he only won by 10 points against Paul Aronsohn, the smallest margin of his career. The Democratic nominee was Rabbi Dennis Shulman
Dennis Shulman
Dennis G. Shulman is an American clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, author, teacher, and ordained rabbi who was the Democratic nominee for the United States Congress in New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District...
. Garrett was the only incumbent in the state thought to possibly be at risk. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Republican Favored'.
Shulman's campaign enjoyed a successful fundraising operation, heavy funding from the Democratic Party, extensive coverage in the press including newspaper endorsements, and the Democratic wave sweeping the nation as Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
ran for president. However, Garrett was able to defeat Shulman by 14% in the general election and will begin his fourth term in the House of Representatives in 2009.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 6
This district lies in the east-central part of the state, including all or portions of Middlesex
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, Monmouth
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
, Somerset
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville....
and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone
Frank Pallone, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He previously represented the 3rd district from 1988 to 1993.-Early life, education, and early political career:...
since 1993. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'. Republican Robert McLeod, a retired municipal prosecutor and municipal judge and former Keyport borough councilman, ran against Pallone, who was re-elected with about two-thirds of the vote.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 7
This district contains portions of Hunterdon
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Hunterdon County is a county located in the western section of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 128,349. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Flemington....
, Middlesex
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, Somerset
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville....
and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties. The Republican nominee was State Senator (and outgoing Senate Minority Leader) Leonard Lance
Leonard Lance
Leonard Lance is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2009. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly....
of Hunterdon County. Assemblywoman Linda Stender
Linda Stender
Linda Stender is an American Democratic Party politician who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where she represents the 22nd legislative district. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 7th District, in 2006 and...
was the Democratic nominee for the second consecutive election. Bridgewater Councilman Michael Hsing ran as an independent. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'No Clear Favorite'.
Republican Mike Ferguson
Mike Ferguson (New Jersey)
Michael A. "Mike" Ferguson is an American Republican Party politician who served as member of the United States House of Representatives representing New Jersey's 7th congressional district from 2001 to 2009.-Life and early career:...
barely won his re-election bid in 2006, edging state Assemblywoman Linda Stender
Linda Stender
Linda Stender is an American Democratic Party politician who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002, where she represents the 22nd legislative district. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New Jersey's 7th District, in 2006 and...
by 50% to 48%. In a major surprise, Ferguson announced that he would not run for reelection. George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
narrowly won this district with 53% to 46% for John Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
in 2004 (CPVI=R+1).
After a tight race in which the two candidates polled fairly evenly for a long time, debated each other twice, and received heavy funding from their respective parties, Lance won the election with 50.8% of the vote.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 8
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
and Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Bill Pascrell since 1997. With Pascrell running for a seventh term, CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
The Republican nominee was Roland Straten, a professional engineer and United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
veteran from Paterson.
In the general election, the heavily Democratic district gave 70.9% of the vote to Pascrell -- a landslide on par with his 71% against Jose Sandoval in 2006.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 9
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Bergen
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
and Hudson
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities...
and Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Steve Rothman
Steve Rothman
Steven R. "Steve" Rothman is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:Rothman attended Washington University Law School...
since 1997, and in 2008 he announced that he would seek another term in Congress. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
The Republican nominee was Vince Micco, a retired United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
officer who had served nine years in the military, including one in the Iraq War as a sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
in a counter-intelligence unit.
Receiving 67.9% of the vote in the general election, Rothman was able to win re-election fairly easily.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 10
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, Hudson
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities...
and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Donald M. Payne
Donald M. Payne
Donald Milford "Don" Payne is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1989. He is a member of the Democratic Party. The district encompasses most of the city of Newark, parts of Jersey City and Elizabeth, and some suburban communities in Essex and Union counties...
since 1989. Payne ran unopposed in 2006. In 2008, the Republicans again failed to nominate a candidate to oppose Payne, but the Socialist Workers Party
Socialist Workers Party (United States)
The Socialist Workers Party is a far-left political organization in the United States. The group places a priority on "solidarity work" to aid strikes and is strongly supportive of Cuba...
nominated Michael Taber, an editor. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
Payne was re-elected in a landslide, garnering 99% of the vote.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 11
This district lies in the north-central part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, Morris
Morris County, New Jersey
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
, Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
, Somerset
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville....
and Sussex
Sussex County, New Jersey
The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County...
counties. It has been represented by Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen
Rodney Frelinghuysen
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education and career:...
since 1995. The Democratic nominee is Tom Wyka (campaign website) of Parsippany-Troy Hills, a certified project manager in the information technology
Information technology
Information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications...
industry who was also the nominee in 2006. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Republican'.
The turnout for this election was much higher than the 2006 contest, but the result was more or less the same: Frelinghuysen defeated Wyka with roughly 62% of the vote.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 12
This district lies in the central part of the state, including all or portions of Hunterdon
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Hunterdon County is a county located in the western section of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 128,349. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Flemington....
, Mercer
Mercer County, New Jersey
As of the census of 2000, there were 350,761 people, 125,807 households, and 86,303 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,552 people per square mile . There were 133,280 housing units at an average density of 590 per square mile...
, Middlesex
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, Monmouth
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
and Somerset
Somerset County, New Jersey
Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville....
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Rush D. Holt Jr.
Rush D. Holt Jr.
Rush Dew Holt, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Democratic Party. He is currently the only Quaker in Congress.-Early life and education :Rush D. Holt was born to Rush D...
since 1999. The Republican nominee was Alan Bateman, the deputy mayor
Deputy Mayor
Deputy mayor is an elective or appointive office of the second-ranking official in many local governments. Many elected deputy mayors are members of the city council who are given the title and serve as acting mayor in the mayor's absence...
of Holmdel Township
Holmdel Township, New Jersey
Holmdel Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 16,773. Holmdel Township was formed by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 23, 1857, from portions of Raritan Township .Holmdel is a suburb of...
. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
62.5% of the vote went to Holt, giving him a sixth term in Congress.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
District 13
This district lies in the north-east part of the state, including all or portions of Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, Hudson
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities...
, Middlesex
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties. It has been represented by Democrat Albio Sires
Albio Sires
Albio Sires is the U.S. Representative for , serving since a special election in 2006. The district includes most of Jersey City, as well as most of the Latino neighborhoods of Newark. He is a member of the Democratic Party...
since November 2006. Sires' Republican challenger was Joseph Turula, a partner in the Jersey City law firm of Turula & Garcia, who served six years on the borough council of Pompton Lakes before moving to Jersey City. Louis Vernotico, a three-time failed candidate for New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
, made his first bid for federal office under the slogan "Eliminate the Primary."
CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Safe Democrat'.
In the general election, the heavily Democratic 13th District elected Sires to his second full term. He received 75.3% of the vote, compared to 21.9% for Turula and 2.8% for Vernotico.
- Race ranking and details from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...
External links
- Division of Elections from the New Jersey Secretary of State
- U.S. Congress candidates for New Jersey at Project Vote SmartProject Vote SmartProject Vote Smart is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in the United States...
- New Jersey U.S. House Races from 2008 Race Tracker
- Campaign contributions for New Jersey congressional races from OpenSecrets.orgCenter for Responsive PoliticsThe Center for Responsive Politics is a non-profit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics and the effect of money and lobbying activity on elections and public policy and maintains a public online database of its information.Their database...