The 4th Congressional District covers parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Monmouth municipalities are Avon, Belmar, Brielle, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Ocean Twp., Sea Girt, Shrewsbury borough and township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Wall and part of Freehold Township and Middletown. In Ocean County, Bay Head, Beachwood, Brick, Island Heights, Jackson, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Lavallette, Manchester, Mantoloking, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, Plumstead, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, Toms River and part of Berkeley and Lacey are in the district.
This is a heavily Republican district, with 40% of all registered voters identifying with the GOP. About 23% of registrants are Democrats and most of the rest are unaffiliated.
Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican who has been in Congress for 45 years and shares the title of most senior member of the House of Representatives with Kentucky Republican Rep. Hal Rogers, is unopposed
Two Democrats are seeking their party’s nomination. Rachel Peace is a small business owner from Jackson who was endorsed by the county parties. John Blake, a Navy veteran from Brick, survived a challenge to his nominating petitions and is running under the slogan “Still Serving — Now Fighting for You.”
Editor’s note: All candidates for the congressional primary are being contacted for the NJ Decides 2026 voting guide. Check back to see who responded and any answers provided.
The candidates
REPUBLICAN
Christopher H. Smith
Incumbent
Christopher H. Smith
Incumbent
