The Winner

Voters in New Jersey's 4th U.S. House District will continue to be represented in Congress by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who won reelection in the Nov. 3 general election, according to the Associated Press. ​

The Associated Press called the race on Nov. 3. Smith, a Republican, received approximately 58.9% of the vote, compared with 40.9% for Democrat Rachel Peace, a margin of about 18 percentage points, according to unofficial results reported by the New Jersey Department of State's Division of Elections as of Nov. 10. Smith led Peace by approximately 47,846 votes, receiving about 156,607 votes to Peace's 108,761. The figures remain preliminary and may change before the state certifies the results.

The victory allows Smith, one of Congress's longest-serving members, to retain his seat despite Democrats winning control of both the U.S. House and Senate in the midterm elections. The new Democratic majorities will take office in January.

The Race

Rachel Peace, the Democratic challenger, advanced to the general election after winning the June 2 Democratic primary with approximately 20,782 votes. The Cook Political Report rated the district Solid Republican before Election Day.

New Jersey's 4th District has approximately 788,500 residents, according to district demographic estimates. Median household income is approximately $99,200, and the median age is 40.8. Approximately 40.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, the unemployment rate is 5.4%, and 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The district's population is approximately 81.9% white, 11.1% Hispanic, 3.5% Black and 2.5% Asian.

The district stretches along the Jersey Shore through portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to the U.S. House of Representatives. Its communities include Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Brielle, Colts Neck and Eatontown.

What's Next

Smith's next congressional term begins Jan. 3, 2027, under the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The vote totals remain unofficial pending state certification.

Smith is scheduled to chair a Nov. 12 House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing examining Nigeria's efforts to protect Christians and secure the Middle Belt, according to an announcement from the Office of Rep. Chris Smith.

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