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New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026
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| New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District |
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| 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. |
| Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
| See also |
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 |
All U.S. House districts, including the 2nd 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
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) | |
| ||||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Curtis Green (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.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "South Jersey doesn’t need another career politician. We need a fighter who understands our struggles and shares our hopes. I’m Tim Alexander. My journey in public service began as a Sheriff’s Officer in Cumberland County, where I learned the values of duty and integrity. I worked my way through the ranks and retired as a Captain of Detectives in the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, leading the Criminal Investigation Section. But retirement wasn’t the end of my story; it was the beginning of a new chapter. I became a civil rights attorney to keep fighting for fairness, accountability, and the voices too often ignored. I’ve seen our justice system from every angle. I know what it takes to keep our families safe, and I know true safety is impossible without justice for everyone. That’s the real-world experience I’ll bring to Washington. In Congress, I won’t play partisan games. I’ll fight to lower costs for working families, restore the Republican cuts to Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, and fight to bring back good-paying jobs to South Jersey. I’m not a politician. I’m a public servant. With your vote, we can build a future where South Jersey thrives, and where justice, opportunity, and dignity belong to every one of us."
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I am a lifelong Atlantic County resident, single mom, and former retail leader turned advocate. With over 30 years of experience managing teams and solving real-world problems for major national retailers and local small businesses, I know the struggles of working families firsthand, from caregiving for aging parents and raising a child with mental health challenges, to navigating job loss and healthcare gaps. I am not a politician. I am simply a resident of CD-2 who wants to make a positive impact on the lives of my community. I'm running for Congress to bring honesty, compassion, and common-sense solutions back to government—because the people of South Jersey deserve better."
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.
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Terri Reese (D)
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.
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
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.
She was my biggest supporter and cheerleader, always encouraging me to be my best and reminding me of my strength when I forgot it myself. Watching her live a life of compassion, humility, and service taught me what real leadership looks like, not about titles or power or money, but about how you treat people. I strive every day to follow her example: to show up, to listen, to help, and to lead with empathy and heart. Her legacy lives on in everything I do.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
So if someone really wants to understand how I see the world, I’d tell them to look at who I listen to and who I fight for: working families, seniors, caregivers, veterans, and folks just trying to get by in a system that too often puts profits ahead of people. My philosophy is simple, people over things. Always.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Finally, an elected official must have the courage to stand for what’s right, even when unpopular, and the humility to put the people’s needs above party politics or ambition. Leadership is service, helping families thrive, protecting vulnerable communities, and building a government that reflects the values of its people. These principles guide me as I seek to represent South Jersey with integrity and heart.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
I'm not seeking office for attention, photo ops, or personal gain. I’m running because I care deeply about our community and believe government should work for the people, not for corporations, not for special interests, and not for personal ambition. I’m ready to show up, do the work, and be the kind of representative who listens, learns, and leads with heart.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
These are the principles I carry with me as I seek to represent South Jersey in Congress, with integrity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to every member of our community.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
More than policy, I hope my legacy is personal. I want working moms, young people, caregivers, everyday folks, to look at my journey and think, “If she could do it, maybe I can too.” I want them to feel seen, heard, and valued in our democracy. And I want my children, and one day their children, to say with pride that I led with heart, stood up for what mattered, and never forgot where I came from.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Those early experiences shaped who I am. They taught me to listen more, judge less, and speak up when I see injustice. And they fuel my drive to build a South Jersey and a country where everyone is treated with dignity, where diversity is respected, and where opportunity isn’t limited by race, zip code, or immigration status. That’s the future I’m fighting for.
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
"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.
All of these books have influenced how I see leadership, service, and the importance of staying true to your values, even when the path is hard. Reading feeds my curiosity and keeps me grounded, and I’m always eager to discover the next story that inspires me.
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
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.
It’s not always easy to hold onto hope or to assume good intentions when you're up against broken systems or bad faith actors. But I’ve found strength in community, in small acts of kindness, and in the knowledge that most people, at their core, want to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. That’s what keeps me going, and it’s why I’ve chosen to run for office. I want to help build a government that reflects the basic goodness and decency I still see in people every day.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Ultimately, what makes the House unique is its role as a people’s chamber, and it is meant to be accessible, accountable, and reflective of the nation’s diversity. It is a place where leadership means service, where everyday Americans can have their voices heard, and where government should work for all, not just the privileged few.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Ultimately, effective representation comes down to how well a person listens to their community, stands up for their needs, and works tirelessly to create positive change, not simply the length of their political resume. That’s why I’m proud to bring my own lived experience and commitment to public service, and why I believe fresh perspectives are vital for a responsive, trustworthy government.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Meeting these challenges requires bold, empathetic leadership focused on truth, unity, and shared progress. I’m committed to working for a future where every person can thrive.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
In short, two-year terms keep representatives accountable and connected to the people, but we must fix the system that forces them into perpetual campaigning. When we do that, we’ll have a more effective, responsive House that better serves its purpose as the people’s voice in government.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Ultimately, I believe that elected officials owe their constituents transparency, humility, and a dedication to making government work for everyone, not just the well-connected or wealthy. Term limits are a key way to keep leaders accountable and ensure that government remains a true public service.
Terri Reese (D)
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.”
At the end of the day, I’m not trying to be the next anyone. I’m running to be a real, honest, grounded voice for South Jersey—one that listens, learns, and leads with heart.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
These aren’t just stories, they’re lived realities. And they’re the reason I’m stepping up. I don’t have all the answers, but I know how to listen, and I know what it means to fight for people who feel forgotten. That’s exactly what I’m committed to do.
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
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.
In my work and in public service, I’m committed to seeking practical solutions and honest dialogue that improve lives without sacrificing principles. Compromise is both necessary and valuable when it upholds dignity, fairness, and the public good. But when it’s used for political expediency or leaves people behind, we must stand firm and demand better.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
The Constitution gives the House a powerful role in shaping the financial direction of this country. If elected, I would use that responsibility to make sure our economy serves people, not just profits, and that every dollar raised and spent reflects fairness, compassion, and common sense.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
I believe the House should use its investigative authority to shine a light in dark corners, to restore public trust, and to ensure that no one, no agency, no corporation, no elected official, is above the law. This power should never be about punishment for political rivals. It should be about protecting democracy, rooting out corruption, and making sure that government works for everyone, not just the well-connected few.
Terri Reese (D)
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Ultimately, I want to be part of committees where I can bring my lived experience, advocate for fairness, and work collaboratively to deliver practical solutions that improve the quality of life for all South Jersey families.
Terri Reese (D)
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.
Transparency also means public access to federal budgets, agency expenditures, and oversight findings—not just vague summaries or spin. We must confront proven fraud, waste, and abuse with facts, not weaponize the terms as political tools. Accountability must be based on truth, not rhetoric.
Tim Alexander (D)
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Van Drew | Republican Party | $569,244 | $386,966 | $944,708 | As of June 30, 2025 |
| Tim Alexander | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Evan Grollman | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Terri Reese | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Bayly Winder | Democratic Party | $171,552 | $8,662 | $162,890 | As of June 30, 2025 |
|
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." |
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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.[1]
- 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.[2][3][4]
| Race ratings: New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 9/2/2025 | 8/26/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/12/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
| 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
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
See also: New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024
New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Democratic primary)
New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 4 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew defeated Joe Salerno and Thomas Cannavo in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew (R) | 58.1 | 215,946 |
 | Joe Salerno (D) | 41.2 | 153,117 | |
 | Thomas Cannavo (G) | 0.7 | 2,557 | |
| Total votes: 371,620 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Joe Salerno defeated Tim Alexander, Carolyn Rush, and Rodney A. Dean Sr. in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joe Salerno | 38.3 | 14,057 |
| Tim Alexander | 37.1 | 13,613 | |
 | Carolyn Rush | 21.3 | 7,836 | |
 | Rodney A. Dean Sr. | 3.4 | 1,235 | |
| Total votes: 36,741 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Brandon Saffold (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on June 4, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew | 100.0 | 41,749 |
| Total votes: 41,749 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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2022
General election
General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew defeated Tim Alexander, Michael Gallo, and Anthony Parisi Sanchez in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew (R) | 58.9 | 139,217 |
| Tim Alexander (D) | 40.0 | 94,522 | |
 | Michael Gallo (L) | 0.8 | 1,825 | |
 | Anthony Parisi Sanchez (Not for Sale) | 0.4 | 920 | |
| Total votes: 236,484 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Tim Alexander defeated Carolyn Rush in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on June 7, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tim Alexander | 61.7 | 17,199 |
| Carolyn Rush | 38.3 | 10,667 | |
| Total votes: 27,866 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Hector Tavarez (D)
- Curtis Green (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew defeated John Barker and Sean Pignatelli in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on June 7, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew | 86.0 | 35,843 |
 | John Barker | 7.7 | 3,217 | |
 | Sean Pignatelli | 6.2 | 2,601 | |
| Total votes: 41,661 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Scott Hitchner (R)
2020
General election
General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew defeated Amy Kennedy, Jenna Harvey, and Jesse Ehrnstrom in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew (R) | 51.9 | 195,526 |
 | Amy Kennedy (D) | 46.2 | 173,849 | |
 | Jenna Harvey (Justice Mercy Humility Party) | 1.1 | 4,136 | |
 | Jesse Ehrnstrom (L) | 0.8 | 3,036 | |
| Total votes: 376,547 | |||
| = 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 2
Amy Kennedy defeated Brigid Callahan Harrison, Will Cunningham, John Francis III, and Robert Turkavage in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on July 7, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Amy Kennedy | 62.1 | 43,414 |
 | Brigid Callahan Harrison | 22.3 | 15,560 | |
 | Will Cunningham | 12.8 | 8,946 | |
| John Francis III | 1.5 | 1,061 | ||
| Robert Turkavage | 1.3 | 938 | ||
| Total votes: 69,919 | |||
| = 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 2
Incumbent Jeff Van Drew defeated Bob Patterson in the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 2 on July 7, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Jeff Van Drew | 82.4 | 45,226 |
 | Bob Patterson | 17.6 | 9,691 | |
| Total votes: 54,917 | |||
| = 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
- David Richter (R)
- Brian Fitzherbert (R)
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 |
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Voting in New Jersey New Jersey elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
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. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
