House Majority PAC injects $4 million into New Jersey race, sparking controversy over ‘radical’ candidate Sue Altman.
At a Glance
- House Majority PAC invests $4 million in Sue Altman’s campaign against GOP incumbent Tom Kean Jr.
- District has a slight Republican lean but supported both Biden and a Republican in 2020
- Kean leads on economy and immigration, while Altman leads on abortion and corruption
- Monmouth Poll shows Kean leading by two points, within the margin of error
- Race attracts national attention with support from high-profile figures and PACs
Democrats Pour Millions into Controversial NJ Race
The far-left House Majority PAC has decided to funnel $4 million into Sue Altman’s campaign against Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This last-minute cash infusion has thrust the race into the national spotlight, exposing the high stakes in this key battleground.
The district, which stretches from the Delaware River to the Newark suburbs, has historically leaned Republican but showed its political complexity in 2020 by supporting both President Biden and a GOP congressional candidate. This nuanced voting pattern has both parties scrambling to secure a victory in what could be a bellwether for future elections.
Altman’s Radical Record Under Scrutiny
Sue Altman, the former leader of the New Jersey Working Families Party, is being painted as a left-wing radical by her opponents. The Kean campaign isn’t pulling any punches in their assessment of their Democratic challenger.
“No amount of national Democrat money is going to spare Sue Altman from the consequences of her radical record,” a Kean campaign spokesman said.
This characterization of Altman as a “professional activist” with extreme views is a central theme of the Kean campaign’s strategy. They’re betting that voters will prefer Kean’s self-described “moderate problem solver” approach to Altman’s progressive agenda.
Kean’s Trump Support and Pro-Life Stance
Tom Kean Jr., a moderate Republican and Trump supporter, is fighting to maintain his seat after defeating Democrat Tom Malinowski in the previous election. However, his pro-life position has become a lightning rod for criticism from the Altman campaign and the House Majority PAC.
The Democratic ads are pulling no punches, labeling Kean’s stance on abortion as “extremist.” This aggressive messaging strategy aims to galvanize support from voters who prioritize reproductive rights, potentially swinging the race in Altman’s favor.
The race has attracted attention from high-profile figures on both sides of the aisle. New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy has reportedly urged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to throw his support behind Altman, signaling the race’s importance to the Democratic establishment.
On the Republican side, Elon Musk’s America PAC is backing Kean with substantial advertising investments. This influx of outside money and influence underscores the national implications of this local race.
Tight Race with Clear Policy Divides
A recent Monmouth Poll indicates that Kean is leading Altman by a slim two-point margin, well within the margin of error. This razor-thin difference highlights the competitive nature of the race and the potential for last-minute shifts in voter sentiment.
The poll also reveals clear policy preferences among voters. Kean holds the advantage on economic issues, jobs, crime, and immigration—topics that traditionally resonate with conservative voters. Altman, meanwhile, leads on the issues of corruption and abortion, appealing to the district’s more liberal constituents.
We’ll soon see how far $4 million goes in a race this tight.