Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield)’s campaign warchest ahead of this year’s competitive race for the 7th congressional district just keeps growing.
Kean raised a remarkable $1,117,170 in the 1st quarter of 2026, his campaign announced today, and ended the quarter with $3,356,545 on-hand. He’s raised a total of $4.4 million since the start of last year, more than any other House incumbent or candidate in New Jersey this cycle (and already approaching the $6.1 million he raised in total last cycle).
“I am incredibly proud of the strong quarter our campaign has built, and grateful for the continued support from residents and supporters across the district,” Kean said in a statement. “Today on Tax Day, residents across NJ-07 are seeing the positive impacts of common sense leadership in Washington that focuses on affordability and putting more money back into their pockets.”
The 2024 race for the 7th district was the most expensive in New Jersey history – Kean, Democrat Sue Altman, and several outside groups combined for more than $26 million in spending – and 2026 is looking like it will be even costlier. Democrats are intently focused on flipping the district, and Republicans recognize that Kean will be in for a difficult fight.
All four of Kean’s Democratic opponents have raised more than $1 million for their campaigns; the top fundraiser, ex-Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett, has raised nearly $2.7 million, an astonishing sum for a first-time candidate.
Physician Tina Shah has raised around $2 million, businessman Brian Varela has raised at least $1.7 million, and former Small Business Administration official Michael Roth has raised at least $1 million. (Varela and Roth have not yet filed 1st quarter reports; Shah’s, Varela’s, and Roth’s totals all also include some self-funding.)
All four Democrats, however, will likely have to expend precious resources to secure the Democratic nomination before they can advance to the general election, while Kean has no primary opposition, allowing him to conserve his money for November.
