Who's In the Race

Democrat Adam Hamawy faces Republican Gregg Mele in the Nov. 3 general election in New Jersey's 12th District. The seat is held by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), who announced she would retire at the end of her term and not seek reelection. ​

Hamawy is a surgeon, Army veteran, and small-business owner who grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He won the Democratic primary with about 29 percent of the vote over runner-up Brad Cohen.

Mele has described his campaign as focused on New Jersey families, accountable government, and safe communities. Mele ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

What They Stand For

Hamawy lists education, civil rights, economic justice, and climate change as priorities.

Mele says the country can "welcome legal immigration while still enforcing our laws," according to WHYY. He has described border security and parental rights in education as priorities, according to The Daily Princetonian.

Green Party candidate Andres Jinete, a 29-year-old librarian, has promoted rent control, higher wages, free health care, and student affordability measures.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Hamawy raised about $1.5 million through June 30 and had about $92,000 in cash on hand. Mele raised about $79,000 through June 30, had about $3,000 in cash on hand, and carried about $99,000 in debt.

Outside groups spent about $2.85 million in the race as of Oct. 13, and about $1.93 million of that supported Democrat Adam Hamawy. American Priorities was the top outside spender in New Jersey's 12th U.S. House District race, with about $1.55 million in support.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Democratic as of Oct. 9. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Democratic as of Oct. 11. Inside Elections rated it Solid Democratic as of Oct. 2.

Kalshi traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Hamawy, a 97.86 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

Watson Coleman carried the district with about 63 percent in 2022. Democrats held nine of New Jersey's 12 U.S. House seats after both the 2022 and 2024 elections. In the 2024 presidential race, Democrat Kamala Harris carried New Jersey with about 52 percent of the vote.

New Jersey's voter registration deadline for the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 13. Mail ballot applications must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 27, according to the New Jersey Division of Elections. In-person early voting runs Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1; hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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