• Rebecca Bennett wins the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th District.
• GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent from Congress for nearly three months.
• The race is deemed a toss-up, crucial for both parties in the midterms.
• Bennett criticizes Kean’s absence, focusing on economic issues affecting constituents.
• Kean has received Trump's endorsement, despite concerns over his health.

Rebecca Bennett has won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, positioning her against Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in the upcoming November general election. Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, secured approximately 47.2% of the vote, defeating three rivals, including her closest competitor Tina Shah, who garnered 20.2% of the vote, according to projections from various media outlets including CBS News and Reuters.

The contest has garnered significant attention due to Kean's absence from Congress since early March, attributed to an undisclosed medical issue. He has reportedly missed over 100 House votes during this time, sparking debate about his capacity to serve, as he ran unopposed in the Republican primary, backed by former President Trump, according to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Bennett has openly criticized Kean's prolonged absence, calling it a serious failure to represent the constituents of New Jersey's 7th District. In her campaign, she highlights economic challenges such as rising costs of living and inflation that have affected local families, stating, "You are failing us, and you do not deserve to represent us in Washington," as reported by Al Jazeera.

Moreover, Kean has stated his intention to return to in-person work soon and reassured supporters about his health, asserting a commitment to transparency regarding his medical circumstances. Despite his absence, he continues to receive strong support from Trump, who affirmed his endorsement as the election approaches, indicating that it remains a critical race for both parties, according to CBS News and Reuters.