New Jersey Democrats pick Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett to face absent GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

Key Points:

• Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District and will challenge Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent due to an unspecified illness.
• Kean's prolonged absence and lack of public appearances have intensified interest in the competitive district, which Democrats view as crucial for potentially flipping control of the U.S. House.
• Bennett criticized Kean for supporting Trump's tax legislation and failing to oppose threats to cut funding for a key regional rail tunnel, while emphasizing affordability and her relatable working-mom background in her campaign.
• In other New Jersey races, Republican Justin Murphy won the GOP Senate primary to challenge incumbent Democrat Cory Booker, and Dr. Adam Hamawy won the Democratic primary in the 12th District, a seat being vacated by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
• The 9th District Republican primary remained too close to call, with Rosie Pino narrowly leading Tiffany Burress, who will face Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou in the general election.