Who's In the Race

Voters in New Jersey's 1st Congressional District have until Tuesday, Oct. 13, to register before the Nov. 3 general election. The race pits Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) against Republican challenger Damon Galdo, a construction superintendent from West Deptford. ​

Norcross has represented the district since 2014, previously serving as a New Jersey state senator and assemblyman and leading the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO for nearly 20 years as a union electrician. Both candidates ran unopposed in their June 2 primaries, each capturing 100 percent of their party's vote.

What They Stand For

Norcross has supported expanding union manufacturing and lowering costs for families. He has opposed "broad reckless tariffs," arguing they tax working people and destabilize supply chains.

He has described U.S. support for Israel's safety and defense as "absolute," while calling the Gaza conflict a "civilian tragedy" and urging humanitarian aid under strict U.S. oversight.

Norcross has opposed U.S. entry into war with Iran without congressional authorization, saying that entering another Middle Eastern conflict without a strategy or exit plan risks endless conflict and endangers American service members.

Galdo has said the economy is his "number one issue" and has named increasing take-home pay and reducing the cost of living as his priorities. He has proposed cutting government spending and taxes for working families and protecting policies that keep overtime wages and tips tax-free.

Galdo's advocated for manufacturing, skilled trades, and small businesses, pushing for "good-paying" jobs that do not require a four-year college degree. He has supported Israel's right to exist and defend itself while saying civilian lives matter and that lasting peace should remain the goal.

On Iran, he has supported military action to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon but has opposed U.S. ground troops, preferring economic pressure, sanctions, diplomacy, or a blockade.

The Money Behind the Race

Norcross raised about $1.66 million through June 30, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, and had about $2.37 million in cash on hand. Galdo raised about $11,000 through June 30 and had about $5,000 in the bank, with $100 in debt, per FEC filings.

Outside spending in the race totals just $10 as of Oct. 8, all of it supporting Norcross, spent by Sierra Club Independent Action.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 25. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 29. Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2.

Kalshi traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Norcross, a 97.19 percent chance of winning the seat as of Oct. 8.

Norcross won the district with about 62 percent of the vote in 2022 and about 58 percent in 2024. In 2024, Democrats won nine of New Jersey's 12 U.S. House seats, and Republicans won three. Kamala Harris carried New Jersey in the 2024 presidential election with about 52 percent of the vote.

Voters who want to cast a ballot in this race should note the following deadlines and hours, per the New Jersey Division of Elections:

  • Voter registration deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 13. Online, mail, and in-person registration all close that day; county offices must stay open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for in-person registration.
  • Mail ballot application deadline: By mail, Tuesday, Oct. 27; in person, Monday, Nov. 2, by 3 p.m.
  • Early voting: Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Election Day polls: Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article