NJ Congressional Primaries Heat Up: CD7, CD8, CD11 Battles

New Jersey’s congressional primaries are heating up weeks before ballots get printed, with petition fights, endorsements, and fundraising battles already shaping races across multiple districts.

The biggest legal skirmish wrapped up this week in CD12, where candidate Altman survived a challenge to his petition signatures. Insiders are bracing for a bruising primary ahead. Altman has raised $400,000, a figure that signals he has the backing to fight through whatever comes next. The circulator statute played a pivotal role in the proceedings, and a judge ultimately let the petitions stand.

In CD7, the Public Alliance threw its endorsement behind Bennett, adding organizational muscle to that race. In CD8, candidate Ali is moving to make AIPAC a central campaign issue, a strategic push that could reshape the contours of that primary. And in CD11, a June primary is now set after a judge’s ruling, with candidate Mejia navigating a contested path that has already included a spat with Musella and a canceled League of Women Voters debate after the two sides couldn’t agree on terms.

Over in Burlington County, the GOP’s surrogate candidate didn’t make the ballot, a significant blow to Republican organizing efforts in that area.

On the budget front, Governor Sherrill is pushing a spending plan that is drawing skepticism from all corners. FDU political scientist Dan Cassino put it plainly: “Balancing the budget means cutting spending and increasing revenue, and voters don’t tend to like either of those. But some cuts are more acceptable than others, and the governor’s proposal seems to be dodging the least popular options.”

Sherrill is targeting state aid to public colleges as part of her budget strategy, a proposal that will draw scrutiny from higher education advocates across the state. The Treasury has also warned of significant rate increases for the State Health Benefits Program, a development that could hit public employees and local governments hard. A new FDU poll shows 58 percent of voters approve of Sherrill, giving her some political cushion as she navigates these fights.

Separately, an inspector general report cleared the governor’s office of any political motive in the release of Sherrill’s military records during last year’s gubernatorial campaign. The report attributed the release to human error.

Atlantic County Executive Levinson asked the state Attorney General to review the situation involving the county prosecutor, a request that puts that office under fresh scrutiny. Rep. McIver, meanwhile, asked a federal appeals court to dismiss charges against her.

On the energy side, New Jersey drivers are starting to feel pain at the pump, with gas prices hitting $4 a gallon at some stations. Residential electric customers are also facing higher bills tied to the rapid expansion of AI data centers, which are driving up demand across the grid.

A state court has ruled that New Jersey’s conversion therapy ban cannot currently be enforced, a ruling with significant implications for LGBTQ+ residents and advocates who pushed for that protection.

The state’s student mental health system is drawing criticism, with reporting highlighting serious gaps in services for young people. A state with New Jersey’s resources should be able to do better, and the legislature will face pressure to respond.

At the local level, the Audubon school board approved a budget that includes tax increases. In Bernards, the school district is considering charging students fees for sports participation. In Bayonne, the Hudson Building Trades endorsed Ashe-Nadrowski for mayor. And in Avalon, a beach repair project is proceeding along the Cape May County shore.

On Capitol Hill, Rep. Pou is emerging as a key contact for preparations surrounding the World Cup, which will bring games to the New York-New Jersey region. New Jersey has significant infrastructure and logistical stakes in pulling that off well.

Warren County picked up historic preservation funds, a quieter but meaningful win for a county that doesn’t always make the headlines.

With primary deadlines passing and budgets dropping, the next several weeks in Trenton and across the state’s congressional districts are going to be anything but quiet.