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Terri Reese
Terri Reese (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Reese completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Terri Reese was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a product manager and in retail leadership, tech startups, QA testing, and data analysis. Reese has also been a certified private yoga instructor and full-time caregiver. She has been affiliated with Planned Parenthood, national and local Democratic committees, and the ACLU.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew, Tim Alexander, Terri Reese, and Bayly Winder are running in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Jeff Van Drew (R) | |
 | Tim Alexander (D)  | |
 | Terri Reese (D) | |
 | Bayly Winder (D) | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Curtis Green (D)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Terri Reese completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Reese's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- People Over Profits, Always: Government should work for us, not for billionaires, CEOs, or corporations that exploit loopholes and avoid paying their fair share while everyday families struggle to make ends meet. I’ve seen firsthand how hard people work just to stay afloat, and it’s unacceptable that the super-wealthy continue to benefit while the middle and working class are left behind. I’ll fight for an economy that serves the people, by supporting good paying jobs for our district, working to ensure everyone has access to affordable housing and healthcare, eliminating corporate welfare, and rewriting the tax code so it’s fair and equitable. It’s time to put people first and make government reflect that.
- Lived Experience Is Leadership: I’ve lived the reality that so many South Jersey families face. I’ve raised kids as a single mom, cared for aging parents, worked nights and weekends in retail, and navigated job loss and gaps in healthcare. I’ve had to stretch every dollar, fight for child support, and advocate for my family when systems failed us. These aren’t just stories, I lived them, and they shaped who I am. I understand the daily struggles because I’ve been there. That’s why I’m running: to bring real-world experience, empathy, and common-sense problem-solving to Congress. We need leaders who know what it’s like to struggle first-hand, not just talk about it from above.
- Real Representation, Not Political Theater – I’m not backed by PACs or wealthy donors, I’m backed by my firends and neighbors. I’m not a career politician, and I’m not using this as a stepping stone to higher office. I’m not in this for fifteen minutes of fame, clickable soundbites, or staged photo ops. I’m running because I care deeply about our community and believe government should reflect the people it serves. I show up, I listen, and I speak plainly. I believe in term limits for all federal elected officials, because no one should build a career on the backs of the people they serve. South Jersey deserves honest, transparent, and accountable leadership, and I’m committed to delivering that for every single person I represent.
Even in retirement, and even as she began experiencing the early stages of dementia, that instinct to care for others never left her. When she was hospitalized, she would offer nursing assistance to other patients in nearby beds, checking to make sure they were okay. And later, when her condition had progressed and she sometimes thought the television was real, she would look at the screen and say things like, “Those people need help. I have to go help them.” She never stopped seeing people in need and feeling a responsibility to respond.
But what’s really shaped my beliefs are the experiences I’ve had: raising two kids on my own, including one with serious mental health needs. Taking care of both of my parents as they declined in health. Working more than 30 years in retail, juggling nights, weekends, and holiday shifts while trying to make ends meet. Navigating healthcare, fighting for child support, dealing with unemployment, all while still showing up for my family and community. That’s where my politics come from.
Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from conversations with neighbors, coworkers, and caregivers, the people who live these struggles every day. I don’t think you need to have a political science degree or a fancy title to understand what’s broken in our system. You just need to listen with compassion and care enough to do something about it.
Empathy is vital because leadership requires understanding the lived experiences of the people represented. I’ve been a single mom raising two children, including one with significant mental health challenges. I’ve cared for aging parents with dementia, navigated job loss, healthcare gaps, and the pressure of making ends meet on a modest income. These struggles show me that policies aren’t abstract; they deeply affect real families every day. Elected officials must not only hear but truly listen and respond with compassion and practical solutions.
Accountability means showing up for the community, not for political theater or personal gain. I’m not running for higher office or fifteen minutes of fame; I’m running to serve South Jersey because government should be a public service, not a personal enrichment machine. Being accountable means engaging regularly with constituents, being accessible, and owning mistakes. It means fighting the influence of corporate money and special interests that drown out working families’ voices.
I spent over 30 years managing retail stores, many right here in our local malls. That work taught me how to lead diverse teams, listen closely, adapt quickly, and solve problems under pressure. I’ve opened new stores, trained teams, managed crises, and balanced the needs of employees, customers, and the business, all while showing up with compassion and fairness. In every role I’ve held, one thing has remained constant: I build relationships, identify problems and their root causes, and work toward real, sustainable solutions.
Outside of work, I’ve been a caregiver, a single mom, and an advocate. I know what it means to juggle bills, navigate a broken healthcare system, and fight for what your family needs. These aren’t abstract policy points to me, they’re lived realities. That perspective grounds my commitment to leading with empathy and integrity.
The role of government is to improve the lives of all of its people. A Representative’s duty is to turn the needs and concerns of their community into effective legislation, advancing access to healthcare, economic fairness, quality education, environmental protection, and justice. They must advocate for policies grounded in the lived experiences of everyday Americans, not the interests of corporations or political insiders.
A member of Congress must also serve as a bridge between their district and the federal government, holding agencies accountable, defending democratic institutions, and ensuring transparency and ethical conduct. Oversight isn’t optional; it’s essential to maintaining trust and balance in our system.
Finally, elected officials must rise above partisanship and personal ambition. Putting people over party means focusing on solutions, building coalitions when needed, and never losing sight of who they’re there to serve. This work requires humility, compassion, and courage.
I hope to leave behind a record of doing what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy or popular, and of building bridges across differences without compromising people’s dignity or well-being. I want folks to say that I didn’t just talk about change, that I was actually able to make people’s lives better. Whether it was expanding access to healthcare, protecting Social Security, fighting for environmental justice, or advocating for policies that support real people, I want to be remembered as someone who made government work the way it’s supposed to, for all of us.
It might sound lofty, but I’d like my legacy to include solidified, lasting changes in our society, changes that benefit everyone equally and equitably. The kind that leave things better than we found them.
That moment opened my eyes to injustice. As I grew older, I saw the broader picture: families of color and immigrant families working incredibly hard, often juggling multiple jobs, yet still facing discrimination, poverty, and limited opportunities. Entire communities were being held back, not because of who they were as people, but because of systems rooted in inequality.
Now, as an adult, I can say plainly: the pervasive hostility toward people of color and immigrants based on the color of their skin or where they come from is wrong. It’s not just unjust, it’s inhumane. It weakens us as a society and betrays the values we claim to stand for.
"The Godfather" is a classic that offers a complex look at family, loyalty, and power. It’s also a potent story about immigrants, their struggles, and the lasting impact they’ve had on our country. It reminds me that decisions, whether personal or political, have deep consequences, and that leadership requires a mix of strength, strategy, and responsibility.
Brene Brown’s books "Daring Greatly" and "The Gifts of Imperfection" are close to my heart because they explore vulnerability, courage, and self-acceptance. They’ve taught me that true strength comes from embracing our imperfections and showing up authentically, which is how I try to lead in my life and now in this campaign.
And I’m a big fan of Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series. Those books combine suspense, history, and the complexities of justice in a way that keeps me turning pages. They remind me that fighting for what’s right often requires persistence, intelligence, and resilience. They also explore the importance of family, both the one we are born into and the people who become part of the family we choose.
But I’ve chosen, again and again, to believe in people. I believe that most of us want to do the right thing, even if we don’t always know how. I believe that empathy is powerful, and that change is possible when we approach one another with compassion instead of judgment. That belief has helped me stay grounded, through raising my children and helping them address their challenges, through caregiving for my parents, through job loss and economic uncertainty, and through moments where I’ve had to fight for the basic support my family needed.
Another distinctive quality of the House is its two-year term structure, which ensures that representatives remain accountable and responsive to their constituents. This frequent election cycle keeps members grounded and attentive to the changing priorities and challenges of their districts. It also creates an urgency to engage with the people and deliver real results.
The House’s power of the purse, controlling federal spending, also sets it apart. This responsibility gives it significant influence over government priorities and programs, making it a critical check on the executive branch and a driver of national policy.
Moreover, the House embodies the principles of representative democracy through its committee system, which allows for detailed scrutiny of legislation and public policy. This system provides opportunities for diverse voices to participate in shaping laws that impact every aspect of American life.
In all of my roles, one thing has been consistent: building relationships, identifying problems and their root causes, and finding solutions. These are core responsibilities of elected officials and essential skills for effective leadership.
Sometimes, long political careers can create a disconnect from everyday people and foster entrenched interests or complacency. New voices and diverse backgrounds help break this cycle, bringing innovative ideas and renewed energy to government.
I believe that elected officials should prioritize empathy, integrity, and accountability above tenure. Having a track record of leadership in other areas, especially in roles that require managing teams, navigating complex challenges, or advocating for others, can prepare someone to serve effectively in Congress.
Economic inequality remains a profound threat. Millions of working families struggle while wealth concentrates at the top, undermining opportunity and social cohesion. We must reform our tax system, raise wages, and invest in education and job training to create a fair economy that works for everyone.
Healthcare is another urgent issue. Too many Americans lack affordable, quality care. We must treat healthcare as a human right by expanding universal coverage and strengthening public programs.
Climate change poses immediate risks to our health, economy, and security. We need a rapid transition to clean energy, protections for natural resources, and resilient infrastructure to face extreme weather events.
Restoring faith in our democracy is vital. Voter suppression, dark money in politics, and polarization threaten effective governance. Protecting voting rights, increasing transparency, and promoting civic engagement are critical steps.
Finally, immigration and social justice demand compassionate policies grounded in dignity and equity. Immigrants are vital to our nation, yet face harsh barriers. We must build a more inclusive America that offers opportunity and fairness to all.
However, the current reality of campaign finance laws makes it challenging for representatives to focus fully on governing during their terms. Because fundraising is constant and expensive, many members spend an excessive amount of time on the campaign trail, even when they’re supposed to be working for their districts. This creates a distraction and can pull attention away from addressing urgent policy issues.
To make the two-year term truly effective, campaign finance laws need to be reformed to reduce the influence of big money and constant fundraising demands. If representatives didn’t have to spend so much time and energy raising funds, they could devote more focus to legislating, engaging with constituents, and building bipartisan solutions.
I’m not running for office to chase power, build a political brand, or seek photo ops. I’m running because I want to restore trust, integrity, and accountability to government, a system that too often feels broken or rigged for the privileged few. Term limits are one important tool to reduce corruption and reset the balance between elected officials and the people they serve.
Term limits encourage leaders to focus on meaningful results rather than endless campaigning or playing political games. They promote public service as a responsibility and honor, not a lifetime career. They also open the door for more diverse candidates to step forward, bringing fresh energy and voices that better reflect our ever-changing communities.
That said, I admire the thoughtful and community-rooted leadership of Representative Mary Gay Scanlon. Her work in public interest law, her commitment to justice and equity, and her steady focus on voting rights, access to education, and protecting vulnerable communities align with my own ideas and values. She’s not flashy, she just does the work with integrity and compassion, which is exactly the kind of leadership I respect.
I also look to representatives like Katie Porter, who made a name for herself not through sound bites but by holding powerful interests accountable and making complex policy understandable to regular people. And of course, I draw inspiration from the late John Lewis, who embodied the courage to speak hard truths and the unwavering belief that public service is about uplifting others, even when it means getting into “good trouble.”
I’ve heard from a veteran who is struggling with PTSD, worried about losing access to the care he needs. He spoke about how his appointments and medications help him get through the day, and the idea that those services could be cut or delayed scares him. We should never ask people to serve and then turn our backs on them. And this should not be a partisan issue.
I met a working mom who relies on Medicaid to pay for in-home care for her disabled child. That support is what makes it possible for her to keep working. Without it, she’d have to quit her job or face the heartbreaking option of putting her child in an institution. She’s doing everything she can, but the system makes it harder than it needs to be.
A friend in retirement told me she’s genuinely concerned about her Social Security and how she’s concerned about its long-term solvency. And that’s not paranoia, it’s a reflection of a system that’s constantly putting working people on edge while billionaires get tax breaks.
I’ve also heard from women who are afraid about their access to reproductive healthcare if they were to travel or move out of state. And people who are nervous about voting access being chipped away. Folks are worried their voices won’t count, that their polling places will be closed, or that their ability to vote by mail will be taken away. When people lose faith in the system, democracy is at risk.
That said, compromise should never come at the expense of harming constituents or violating the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution. It must not be used as an excuse to sacrifice the needs of vulnerable populations or to pass legislation that disproportionately benefits one side or special interests over the other. True compromise respects fairness, equity, and justice—not simply splitting the difference for the sake of agreement.
Unfortunately, both the Senate and House as a whole have veered far away from genuine compromise for years, often prioritizing partisan games over the needs of the people they represent. This lack of willingness to find common ground has contributed to political dysfunction and stalled progress on urgent issues.
I also believe compromise should uphold the core tenets of our democracy, equal rights, individual liberties, and the rule of law. Policies that undermine these foundations or erode protections for marginalized communities are not compromises worth making.
If given the honor to serve, I would use this authority to push for a fairer, more transparent tax system, one that doesn’t place the burden on the poor and the middle class while allowing ultra-wealthy individuals and multinational corporations to avoid paying their fair share. I support raising the Social Security payroll tax cap so that those who earn millions contribute equitably. I support eliminating corporate loopholes and ending handouts to profitable companies that don’t need them, especially when schools are underfunded, infrastructure is crumbling, and people can’t afford housing or healthcare.
I would also advocate for reinvesting that revenue into programs that directly improve people’s lives: universal healthcare, expanded mental health services, support for home caregivers, clean energy infrastructure, equal and equitable public education, and real protections for voting rights and reproductive freedom.
If elected, I would support using these powers to investigate issues that have real consequences for working families, like price gouging by pharmaceutical and energy companies, misuse of taxpayer dollars, systemic failures in public health and veteran services, and credible ethics violations by public officials. Investigations should be rooted in facts, guided by evidence, and conducted with fairness, not used to distract, intimidate, or divide.
Too often, we’ve seen investigations become partisan spectacles, chasing conspiracy theories while ignoring real crises, like the affordability of healthcare, the rising cost of living, environmental degradation, and the threats to reproductive freedom and voting rights. That’s not accountability, that’s a misuse of power. And frankly, it's why many Americans have lost faith in the system.
The House Committee on Education and Labor also aligns closely with my passion for economic justice and opportunity. Having worked in retail management for over 30 years and experienced firsthand the challenges of caregiving and economic insecurity, I understand the importance of fair labor standards, workforce development, and affordable education and childcare. This committee plays a crucial role in shaping policies that support working families, promote job training, and protect workers’ rights, issues I am deeply committed to addressing.
Additionally, I would ask for the opportunity to serve on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, which ensures government transparency and combats waste, fraud, and abuse. Given my strong stance on ethics, financial transparency, and holding elected officials accountable, this committee’s work would allow me to fight for a government that truly serves its people, rebuilds trust, and operates with integrity.
I support full transparency in campaign finance and strongly believe we must overturn Citizens United. Dark money and super PACs have no place in our democracy. Voters deserve to know exactly who is funding political campaigns and what influence that money carries. I’m proud to be running a people-powered campaign—one that refuses corporate PAC donations—because I believe government should serve the people, not the highest bidder.
Government accountability also means adhering to the Constitution—specifically the ethics and emoluments clauses. No elected official should profit from their office, personally or through their family members or businesses. Public office is not a pathway to personal enrichment—it’s a responsibility to serve the public with integrity. That’s why I support strict ethics rules, independent oversight, and real consequences for violations.
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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.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 11, 2025
