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John Hsu

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John Hsu
Image of John Hsu

Candidate, U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 3, 2026

Personal
Birthplace
New Jersey
Profession
Software engineer
Contact

John Hsu (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 6th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]

Biography

John Hsu was born in New Jersey. His career experience includes working as a software engineer.[1]

Elections

2026

See also: New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Incumbent Frank Pallone Jr., Katie Bansil, John Hsu, and Fahad Akhtar are running in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Frank Pallone Jr.
Frank Pallone Jr. (D)
Image of Katie Bansil
Katie Bansil (D)
Image of John Hsu
John Hsu (D)
Image of Fahad Akhtar
Fahad Akhtar (Common Sense Independent Party)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

See also: New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2024

New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)

New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Incumbent Frank Pallone Jr. defeated Scott Fegler, Fahad Akhtar, Herb Tarbous, and Matthew Amitrano in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Frank Pallone Jr.
Frank Pallone Jr. (D)
 
56.1
 
170,275
Image of Scott Fegler
Scott Fegler (R)
 
40.3
 
122,519
Image of Fahad Akhtar
Fahad Akhtar (Common Sense Independent Party) Candidate Connection
 
1.6
 
4,871
Image of Herb Tarbous
Herb Tarbous (G) Candidate Connection
 
1.4
 
4,246
Image of Matthew Amitrano
Matthew Amitrano (L) Candidate Connection
 
0.6
 
1,770

Total votes: 303,681
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Incumbent Frank Pallone Jr. defeated John Hsu in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Frank Pallone Jr.
Frank Pallone Jr.
 
84.0
 
36,649
Image of John Hsu
John Hsu
 
16.0
 
6,992

Total votes: 43,641
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Scott Fegler defeated Gregg Mele in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on June 4, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Scott Fegler
Scott Fegler
 
81.6
 
15,215
Image of Gregg Mele
Gregg Mele
 
18.4
 
3,440

Total votes: 18,655
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hsu in this election.

2020

See also: New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2020

New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2020 (July 7 Democratic primary)

New Jersey's 6th Congressional District election, 2020 (July 7 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Incumbent Frank Pallone Jr. defeated Christian Onuoha in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Frank Pallone Jr.
Frank Pallone Jr. (D)
 
61.2
 
199,648
Image of Christian Onuoha
Christian Onuoha (R)
 
38.8
 
126,760

Total votes: 326,408
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Incumbent Frank Pallone Jr. defeated Russell Cirincione and Amani Al-Khatahtbeh in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on July 7, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Frank Pallone Jr.
Frank Pallone Jr.
 
79.2
 
56,660
Image of Russell Cirincione
Russell Cirincione
 
17.0
 
12,139
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh
 
3.8
 
2,743

Total votes: 71,542
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6

Christian Onuoha defeated Sammy Gindi in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 6 on July 7, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Christian Onuoha
Christian Onuoha (Write-in)
 
100.0
 
508
Sammy Gindi (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
0

Total votes: 508
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

John Hsu has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are John Hsu, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask John Hsu to fill out this survey by using the button below.

Twitter

2024

John Hsu did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Hsu’s campaign website stated the following:

Ranked Choice Voting

What is Ranked Choice Voting?

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), also known as instant-runoff voting or preferential voting, is an electoral system that enables voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than casting a vote for a single candidate. This method is particularly advantageous in elections where there are more than two candidates, as it often results in a winner who reflects a broader consensus of the electorate.

How Ranked Choice Voting Works

Ranking Candidates: On the ballot, voters see a list of candidates and have the option to rank them in order of preference: first, second, third, and so on. Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they wish, depending on the rules of the particular election.

Counting Votes: Initially, only the first-choice votes are counted. If a candidate receives a majority (more than 50%) of these first-preference votes, they are declared the winner.

Redistributing Votes: If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who selected the eliminated candidate as their first choice then have their votes reallocated to their second choice. This process of elimination and redistribution continues in subsequent rounds until one candidate secures a majority.

Final Result: The process ensures that the winning candidate has a majority support from the voters, reflecting a consensus among the electorate.

Benefits of Ranked Choice Voting

  • Reduces Negative Campaigning: Since candidates aim to gather not just first-choice votes but also second and third choices, there is an incentive to maintain a more positive, broad-appealing campaign to avoid alienating potential supporters.
  • Discourages Strategic Voting: Voters can honestly rank candidates according to their true preferences without worrying that their vote might be "wasted" on a less popular candidate. This reduces the need for voting strategically for a less preferred but more viable candidate.
  • Promotes Majority Support: By eliminating candidates in sequential rounds and redistributing their votes, RCV ensures that the winner has majority support. This is in contrast to the plurality system, where a candidate can win with less than majority support if the vote is split among many candidates.
  • Increases Voter Engagement: Knowing that their vote can still influence the outcome even if their top choice doesn’t win may encourage greater voter participation and satisfaction.
  • Supports Diverse Candidates: RCV can help diverse candidates who might otherwise struggle to overcome a split vote in a crowded field. It allows them to demonstrate broader appeal across different voter groups.


Labor

I am a dedicated advocate for unions and workers' rights, emphasizing the importance of strong unions in achieving economic balance and fair treatment for workers. I actively involved in rallies, public demonstrations, and supports legislative efforts that promote easier unionization, enhance collective bargaining rights, and improve workers' influence over their work conditions and pay.

I champion the "right to organize" across all levels, advocating for the removal of unionization barriers and supporting underrepresented sectors like gig economy workers. I push for labor laws to adapt to new work environments, including remote work, to ensure robust labor protections.

I also focus on economic policies that ensure a living wage, health benefits, and secure retirement plans, advocating that these factors boost productivity and overall economic health. I consistently engages with union leaders and workers to align his policies with their needs, aiming for both immediate improvements and long-term


Housing

I am committed to addressing the critical issue of housing affordability and accessibility. One significant aspect of my approach is the implementation of stringent policies that restrict corporate ownership of housing. Corporations, particularly large investment entities, often purchase residential properties en masse, treating these homes primarily as vehicles for substantial financial returns. This practice can lead to a number of community issues, including inflated real estate prices, reduced housing availability for actual residents, and destabilization of community cohesion. By limiting corporate ownership, we ensure that homes serve their primary purpose: providing a place for people to live. This policy will help stabilize housing markets and make housing more affordable, maintaining the integrity and vibrancy of communities.

Additionally, I advocate for a ban on foreign ownership of residential properties that are used solely as safe havens for wealth accumulation. This practice, often termed as speculative buying, involves foreign investors purchasing homes not to reside in, but to store wealth, which can significantly inflate housing prices. Such speculative investment makes it difficult, if not impossible, for local residents to afford homes in their own neighborhoods, exacerbating the housing crisis and contributing to social inequality.

This policy is designed to curb these speculative activities, thus preventing the runaway inflation of housing prices fueled by foreign capital. By restricting this kind of investment, we aim to create a more equitable housing market where homes are more accessible and affordable for the local population. This, in turn, contributes to the overall stabilization of our communities and supports the economic well-being of our citizens.


Finance

I am a firm advocate for enhancing the integrity and transparency of our government. To this end, I strongly support banning stock trading by members of Congress. It is crucial that public officials focus solely on the interests of the citizens they serve, without potential conflicts of interest posed by personal financial investments in the industries and companies they regulate.

Additionally, I propose strengthening the STOCK Act. The original intent of the Act was to prevent insider trading by Congress members and other government employees, but it requires robust enforcement and clearer regulations to ensure it effectively deters unethical behavior. Enhancing disclosure requirements and increasing penalties for violations will help restore public trust in government decision-making.

I also support ending the carried interest loophole that allows venture capitalists and other investment managers to pay taxes at lower capital gains rates, rather than the higher income tax rates. This loophole not only skews economic fairness but also deprives the government of necessary revenue that could be used to fund public services.

Furthermore, transparency must extend to companies owned by venture capitalists. Requiring these companies to be clearly identified will enhance market transparency and allow for more informed decisions by investors and regulators alike. This measure will ensure that financial activities are conducted openly and are accessible to public scrutiny, reinforcing the principles of a fair and equitable economic system.


Environmental

I will co-sponsor H.R. 1729, , the Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2023. This legislation is designed to tackle critical issues such as lead contamination and the presence of PFAS (forever chemicals) in our water supply, while simultaneously revitalizing our national infrastructure and generating high-quality jobs across the country.

I also support initiatives that create environmental jobs aimed at restoring wetlands and forests, vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

Additionally, I advocate for programs like the New Jersey Blue Acres Buyback Program, which offers a proactive solution for neighborhoods ravaged by flood damage, helping communities move towards safer ground.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to support the Farm System Reform Act. Please join me in signing the petition to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure fair practices within our farming communities.


Women's rights

I am deeply committed to advancing and protecting the rights of all individuals, which is why I fully support the codification of Roe v. Wade. It is essential to enshrine into law a woman's right to make decisions about her own body, ensuring that these rights cannot be eroded by future political shifts. This step is crucial for safeguarding reproductive rights across the nation, providing consistency and security that every woman can rely on, regardless of where they live.

Additionally, I am dedicated to addressing and closing the pay gap and combating workplace discrimination. It is unacceptable that wage disparities persist based on gender, race, or any other characteristic unrelated to job performance. I support robust legislation that enforces equal pay for equal work, ensuring that all workers are compensated fairly for their efforts and talents. This includes enhancing transparency in how salaries and wages are determined and distributed, as well as strengthening penalties for violations of equal pay laws.

Moreover, combating workplace discrimination is vital for creating an inclusive, respectful, and productive work environment. I advocate for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and support measures that empower individuals to come forward with their grievances. This involves improving the processes for reporting and addressing discrimination, ensuring they are accessible, efficient, and fair. By promoting these values and policies, we can work towards a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed without facing barriers related to their personal attributes.


Healthcare

As a steadfast advocate for comprehensive healthcare reform, I am committed to championing a single-payer healthcare system—an improved version of Medicare that ensures coverage for everyone. This system will include essential services that are often overlooked, such as vision, dental, and mental health care, as well as home care services, ensuring that all aspects of health are addressed and accessible to every individual.

Furthermore, I will champion and co-sponsor H.R. 2530, The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. This critical legislation mandates safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which is fundamental to improving patient care quality and safety in hospitals. By ensuring that our nurses are not overwhelmed, we can provide a better work environment for healthcare professionals and significantly enhance patient outcomes.

This comprehensive approach not only improves health outcomes but also supports our healthcare workers, making our healthcare system more robust and responsive to the needs of the American people.


Stance on Palestine

I strongly support H.R. 786 to ensure the United States rigorously enforces the Leahy Laws, which prohibit the U.S. Department of State and Department of Defense from providing military support to foreign security forces guilty of human rights abuses. This critical legislation also advocates for the provision of unrestricted and unconditional humanitarian aid to Gaza, reinforcing our commitment to support vulnerable populations and protect human dignity. This bill embodies our resolve to foster global stability, justice, and respect for human rights.

Additionally, I am resolutely opposed to settler violence, which forcibly displaces individuals and destabilizes communities. Such acts of aggression not only infringe upon fundamental human rights but also threaten the prospects for enduring peace and stability. It is imperative that we confront and curb these violent acts to ensure that all individuals can live securely in their homes, free from the fear of eviction or harassment. Supporting initiatives that combat settler violence is essential in our pursuit of justice, peace, and adherence to international human rights standards.


Freedom of the press

I am committed to upholding the fundamental principles of freedom of the press as enshrined in the First Amendment. In this spirit, I will co-sponsor and vote yes on H.R. 934, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that regular journalistic activities are protected under the First Amendment. This resolution also asserts that the United States should drop all charges against Julian Assange and cease attempts to extradite him.

The case of Julian Assange has raised significant concerns about the boundaries of journalism and the implications for press freedom, especially concerning the publication of classified information that may be in the public interest. HR 934 acknowledges the crucial role that journalists play in a democratic society, emphasizing that journalistic activities—particularly those that hold governments accountable and inform the public—must be protected.

Supporting this resolution aligns with my dedication to ensuring that our government respects and upholds the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. It also underscores the necessity of differentiating between national security risks and the rights of individuals to report on sensitive information when it serves the public good. By advocating for the dismissal of charges against Julian Assange, we send a strong message about our commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists worldwide.


Childcare

Universal childcare is not just a policy priority; it is a critical investment in our future. It ensures that all children, regardless of their family's income or background, have access to safe, nurturing, and stimulating early learning environments. By implementing universal childcare, we can significantly enhance early childhood development, which is crucial for long-term educational and social success.

In addition to providing universal access, it is imperative that we ensure childcare workers are compensated fairly. Childcare providers are the backbone of this service; they nurture, educate, and care for our youngest citizens. Despite their essential role, many childcare workers receive wages that do not reflect the importance and skill of their work. Ensuring that these professionals are paid a living wage is not only a matter of fairness but also a critical step in improving the quality of childcare services. Adequate compensation helps attract and retain skilled professionals, reduces turnover, and increases the overall stability and quality of care provided to children.

To support these objectives, we need comprehensive legislation that subsidizes childcare costs for families and mandates fair wages for childcare workers. Such policies would alleviate financial burdens on families and ensure that childcare professionals receive the respect and remuneration they deserve. This approach acknowledges the dual benefit of universal childcare: supporting workforce participation, particularly among women, and fostering healthy development in children, laying a strong foundation for the future of our society. [2]

—John Hsu’s campaign website (2024)[3]

2020

John Hsu did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


John Hsu campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House New Jersey District 6Candidacy Declared general$9,191 $8,346
2024* U.S. House New Jersey District 6Lost primary$6,183 $9,261
2020U.S. House New Jersey District 6Withdrew primary$5,396 $1,768
Grand total$20,770 $19,375
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. John Hsu for Congress, "Bio," accessed June 3, 2024
  2. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. John Hsu’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed June 3, 2024


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