The Winner
If you live in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, you’ll keep the same voice in Congress for two more years. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) won a third term on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the Associated Press called the race for him, New Jersey Monitor reported.
Menendez had 88.7% of the vote in the latest unofficial count, more than 80 points ahead of his closest challenger, according to Ballotpedia’s results for the race. The win keeps the seat in Democratic hands.
The Race
No Republican filed to run, so the party’s June 2 primary was canceled and no Republican appeared on the November ballot. Menendez faced three challengers instead: Socialist Workers Party candidate Craig Honts with 4.5%, independent Aristotle Eliopoulos with 4.1% and We The People Party candidate Da’Shone Hughey with 2.8%.
The district takes in parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties, according to the state’s list of general election candidates. Cook Political Report and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Democratic, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated it Safe Democratic.
What’s Next
Menendez begins his third term on Jan. 3, 2027, the date the Constitution sets for new House terms. New Jersey is still counting ballots, so the totals will change before the state certifies the results. His campaign website lists eight priorities for the term, from affordability and child care to immigration and transportation.
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