A dozen House districts are on the ballot in New Jersey’s Tuesday primary.
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Former President Donald Trump said in 2021 that he would back a challenger to longtime Republican Rep. Chris Smith, but that never happened. The lack of endorsement didn’t stop conservative talk show host Mike Crispi, one of Smith’s Republican challengers, from claiming Trump’s role.
In northern New Jersey, former state Senate minority leader Republican Tom Kean Jr. has a fundraising advantage and establishment support over five rivals. Kean, the son of former Republican Gov. Tom Kean Sr., is hoping for a rematch with Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski, who won a close contest for the House seat two years ago.
On the Democratic side, US Senator Bob Menendez’s son, Rob, is running for a seat vacated by incumbent Democratic Representative Albio Sires. Menendez, a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, blocked party support by entering the race.
Associated Press writer Michael Catalini in Trenton, NJ contributed to this report.
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