Rebecca Bennett, a former US Navy helicopter pilot, has won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, securing 47.2% of the vote and defeating three rivals.

She will face Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in November, who has missed over 100 House votes since March due to an undisclosed illness but retains support from President Donald Trump.

Independent analysts rate the race as a toss-up. The district has changed party hands twice in eight years and is a key target for Democrats seeking to control the House.

Bennett built her campaign on military service and economic issues, criticizing rising grocery and gas prices allegedly caused by the US-Israel war on Iran and Trump's tariffs.

Kean, scion of a prominent political family, has promised greater health transparency but his return to in-person work remains uncertain. He previously said he would return within weeks.

The 7th district, including suburbs and Trump's Bedminster golf club, has become a battleground where incumbents have been ousted in recent midterms.

Source: www.aljazeera.com