New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2026

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New Jersey's 12th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: Pending
Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in New Jersey
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
New Jersey's 12th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th • 12th New Jersey elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House raceOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 12th Congressional District of New Jersey, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

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 12

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Brad Cohen (D)
		Kyle Little (D)
	Submit photo	Adrian Mapp (D)
	Submit photo	Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)
	Submit photo	Shanel Robinson (D)
	Submit photo	Sujit Singh (D)
	Submit photo	Jay Vaingankar (D)
		Gregg Mele (R)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Darius Mayfield (R)
• Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Kyle Little

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "My name is Kyle Little I am a 36-year-old openly gay African American man and the owner of Isolation Fitness, which operates studios in Metuchen and Edison, New Jersey. I also serve as an adjunct college professor at Kean University. Originally from Union County, I graduated from Linden High School in 2006, and I earned my master’s degree from Montclair State University in 2014. I am running for Congress with the goal of rebranding and bringing change to the Democratic Party by advocating for better justice, equality, and rights for all Americans. If elected, he would become the first Black openly gay man to serve in Congress from the state of New Jersey."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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A Fighter Against Fascism I believe the Democratic Party is missing one crucial element right now — the willingness to fight back against fascism of MAGA Republicans, with strength and clarity. I will be that fighter, ready to stand up against extremism and defend our democracy.

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Stronger Voices, Stronger Messaging We need more leaders who can clearly and fearlessly communicate our values. I will bring bold, unapologetic messaging that inspires people, counters misinformation, and builds trust in the Democratic Party. We also need younger, more passionate voices. Right now, 31 Democrats in the House of Representatives are over 75 years old. The Party needs fresh energy and perspective to help lift its approval rating, which currently sits at just 27%.

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Breaking Barriers for Justice and Equality As a 36-year-old openly gay African American man, small business owner, and college professor, I know what it means to work hard and fight for fairness. If elected, I will make history as the first Black openly gay man to serve in Congress from New Jersey — and I will use that platform to champion justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.

Voting information

See also: Voting in New Jersey

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Kyle Little (D)

A Fighter Against Fascism

I believe the Democratic Party is missing one crucial element right now — the willingness to fight back against fascism of MAGA Republicans, with strength and clarity. I will be that fighter, ready to stand up against extremism and defend our democracy.

Stronger Voices, Stronger Messaging

We need more leaders who can clearly and fearlessly communicate our values. I will bring bold, unapologetic messaging that inspires people, counters misinformation, and builds trust in the Democratic Party. We also need younger, more passionate voices. Right now, 31 Democrats in the House of Representatives are over 75 years old. The Party needs fresh energy and perspective to help lift its approval rating, which currently sits at just 27%.

Breaking Barriers for Justice and Equality

As a 36-year-old openly gay African American man, small business owner, and college professor, I know what it means to work hard and fight for fairness. If elected, I will make history as the first Black openly gay man to serve in Congress from New Jersey — and I will use that platform to champion justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Kyle Little (D)

Education and Honest History

I am committed to strengthening our education system and ensuring that students learn the full, unfiltered truth about American history. Understanding our past is essential to building a better future.

Women’s Reproductive Rights and Maternal Health

I am deeply passionate about protecting women’s reproductive rights, with a special focus on addressing the alarming maternal mortality rate among Black women in New Jersey, who die during childbirth at seven times the rate of white women.

LGBTQIA+ Rights

With the Supreme Court being asked to reverse same-sex marriage, I am committed to defending and advancing LGBTQIA+ rights. As a gay married man who relies on my husband’s health insurance, these rights are

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Kyle Little (D)

One of my greatest inspirations is Bayard Rustin: an openly gay Black man who served as a trusted advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was the chief architect of the historic March on Washington, the largest demonstration in United States history at the time, drawing over 250,000 people. As an openly gay Black man running for Congress, I pay homage to Rustin’s courage and vision. I will always share his story and legacy with the American people, because he paved the way for countless minorities to gain the rights and freedoms we have today. His life reminds us that true progress is built on the shoulders of those willing to stand boldly for justice; even when the world is not ready to accept them.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Kyle Little (D)

I believe elected officials must demonstrate true leadership and a willingness to fight for their constituents.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Kyle Little (D)

The core responsibility of this office is to vote in the best interest of the people, not the party. Be there to assist Mayors, Councilmen and other leaders in your district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Kyle Little (D)

I want to leave a legacy built on truth, honesty, and always doing what’s right for the people. As an educator, small business owner, and a Black openly gay man, I understand firsthand the importance of standing up for marginalized communities. By fighting for them, and for all the people of my district — I hope to leave behind a legacy rooted in righteousness, service, and the unwavering belief that leadership means putting people first.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Kyle Little (D)

The first major historical event I remember in my lifetime was the attack on September 11, 2001. I was in 8th grade, and I can still picture classmates being called out of school early as the news spread. There was a heaviness in the air: a sadness that seemed to blanket the entire country. For me, the moment felt even more surreal because it came just a few weeks after the tragic death of R&B singer Aaliyah in a plane crash. Experiencing those two events so close together at a young age left a lasting impression on me about the fragility of life and the way sudden tragedy can unite people in grief.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Kyle Little (D)

My first job was a Pinho's Bakery in Roselle, NJ. I started working there at the age of 15 and I left at age 18, when I went off to college at Montclair State University.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Kyle Little (D)

My favorite book is Letters to a Young Brother by Hill Harper. I first read it as an 18-year-old freshman in college, right at the point in my life when I was stepping into adulthood and learning to navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. The book guided me toward making better choices, staying focused on my goals, and maturing into the person I was meant to be. It also inspired me to get involved in organizations, serve my community, and embrace the leadership qualities I had within me. Hill Harper’s words reminded me that our paths are shaped by the values we choose to live by — and they helped shape mine.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Kyle Little (D)

One of the biggest struggles in my life was growing up with divorced parents. My parents separated when I was just five years old, and from that point on, my family expanded in different directions. My father remarried and later divorced again, while my mother had another child — my little sister, Destiny, who has always been a great blessing in my life.

The divorce was difficult, especially as a child. I had to split my time between two homes, navigating birthdays and holidays in a way that often made me feel like a piece being passed back and forth. There were times I felt caught in the middle, but I was fortunate to have the unwavering love and support of both my parents.

That experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing family, no matter how it’s shaped. It also gave me a deep understanding of how life’s challenges can make us stronger and more compassionate toward others.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Kyle Little (D)

The House of Representatives plays a unique and vital role in our democracy because it can hold the executive branch more accountable. As the lower house of Congress, it serves as an equal branch of government with the power to represent the people directly.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Kyle Little (D)

Although I do not have prior political experience, I see that as an advantage rather than a liability. Too many career politicians have stayed in office for decades, becoming complicit and content.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Kyle Little (D)

One of the greatest challenges facing the United States today is overcoming the rise of fascism that has infiltrated our government.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Kyle Little (D)

I believe the two-year term length for Representatives is appropriate because it allows voters to hold them accountable quickly if they fail to represent their constituents effectively.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Kyle Little (D)

I strongly support term limits — no one should serve in Congress for more than 24 years: 12 terms in the House or 4 terms in the Senate. Long-term incumbency often leads to complacency and detachment from the needs of everyday Americans.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Kyle Little (D)

The current member of Congress I most admire is Representative Jasmine Crockett, because she is unapologetically committed to the fight for justice and equality. I would say that I am the "male version" of her.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Kyle Little (D)

While I believe compromise has its place in politics, there can be no compromise with MAGA Republicans, who are driven by self-interest and the demands of the wealthiest among us, with no concern for the well-being of the nation.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kyle Little (D)

Laboratories of Democracy

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Kyle Little (D)

I have many accomplishments that I’m proud of — earning my master’s degree in 2014, serving as the undergraduate representative for my fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated, from 2010 to 2011; but the one that means the most to me is opening my fitness studio, Isolation Fitness. I built that studio entirely on my own, with no outside help, after working in numerous gyms across the state of New Jersey. Today, Isolation Fitness has grown to two physical locations. Even now, it’s still a little surreal to drive by and see my name and logo on the front of those stores — a constant reminder of hard work paying off.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Sujit Singh

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Brad Cohen	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Kyle Little	Democratic Party	$13,029	$18,886	$1,256	As of September 30, 2025
Adrian Mapp	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Shanel Robinson	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Sujit Singh	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Jay Vaingankar	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Gregg Mele	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Winston Jordan	No Party Affiliation	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	12/9/2025	12/2/2025	11/25/2025	11/18/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in New Jersey in the 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in New Jersey, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
New Jersey	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	5% of the entire vote cast for members of the General Assembly at the last preceding general election, held for the election of all of the members of the General Assembly, in the district	N/A	TBD	Source
New Jersey	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	5% of the entire vote cast for members of the General Assembly at the last preceding general election, held for the election of all of the members of the General Assembly, in the district	N/A	TBD	Source

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

New Jersey	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
New Jersey congressional delegation Voting in New Jersey New Jersey elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

New Jersey's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Cory Booker (D)

Andrew Kim (D)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Norcross (D)

District 2

Jeff Van Drew (R)

District 3

Herbert Conaway (D)

District 4

Chris Smith (R)

District 5

Josh Gottheimer (D)

District 6

Frank Pallone (D)

District 7

Thomas Kean (R)

District 8

Robert Menendez (D)

District 9

Nellie Pou (D)

District 10

LaMonica McIver (D)

District 11

Vacant

District 12

Bonnie Coleman (D)

Democratic Party (10)

Republican Party (3)

Vacancies (1)

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