New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District: Who Wins the House Seat

New Jersey holds its general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with voter registration closed as of October 13 and mail-in ballot requests due by October 27. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Top races include the U.S. Senate contest, where Democratic incumbent Cory Booker faces Republican Justin Murphy and several third-party and write-in candidates. All 12 of New Jersey's House seats are also on the ballot, with the 2nd Congressional District drawing particular attention as Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew, who switched parties in 2019, defends his seat against Democratic challenger Zack Mullock, mayor of Cape May, and independent Ramon Mora Jr.

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, a day after Gov. Mikie Sherrill released a 61-page report from a four-month investigation, led by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino's law firm, substantiating findings of sexual harassment and repeated ethics violations. Investigators found credible evidence that Caldwell made an unwanted romantic advance toward a staffer's friend, sought a promotion for a state employee he was secretly dating, and brought unpaid guests to ticketed events despite prior warnings. Sherrill said the episode reflected a longstanding Trenton culture of overlooking sexual harassment that her administration would no longer tolerate.

Caldwell, who is Black, suggested race played a role in the allegations and disputes the report's findings, saying he resigned to avoid distracting from Sherrill's administration; days later he preached at his church about false accusations. Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu now oversees the Division of Elections ahead of the midterms, while Senate President Nicholas Scutari serves as acting governor when needed. Sherrill has 45 days to name a permanent replacement, with reports suggesting she may favor another Black leader, possibly a woman, for the role.

Voters in Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey, narrowly approved a $57.7 million school bond referendum in the Sept. 15 special election, according to unofficial results, passing by just nine votes (1,744 to 1,735) after mail and provisional ballots were counted. Final certification by county election officials is still pending. It is the largest bond measure in the South Jersey district's history.

A companion $18.3 million second question, which would have funded new classrooms at Memorial School, a gym at Eleanor Rush Elementary, and a synthetic stadium field at Cinnaminson High School, was rejected 1,927 to 1,536. The approved bond will fund infrastructure improvements, classroom additions, HVAC upgrades, and bathroom renovations, adding roughly $399 a year in taxes on an average-assessed home; the state will contribute $16.8 million. Superintendent Stephen Cappello called the result a sign that "every single vote truly matters."

Separately, Clementon voters rejected a $13.5 million bond for an early childhood center. Collingswood and Bordentown Regional have bond questions planned for the Nov. 3 general election.

A nor'easter bringing high winds and rough seas is prompting flood preparations along the Jersey Shore, particularly in low-lying bayside communities like Seaside Heights. Residents living along Barnegat Bay have begun moving outdoor furniture, vehicles, and equipment ahead of expected bay flooding, with some areas already seeing water intrusion. Local officials say they are monitoring the storm closely and are prepared to order evacuations in vulnerable areas if conditions worsen.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency across eight counties, including Ocean, Middlesex, and Monmouth, as the storm approaches. Officials point to lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 as shaping the region's current storm readiness, with emergency management teams and first responders on standby. The situation underscores recurring flood risks facing shore communities during seasonal coastal storms.

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, over delays in processing firearm carry permit applications. The DOJ announced the probe this week, alleging the delays violate the Second Amendment and citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that found lengthy waits for permit processing improperly deny citizens their right to public carry.

Township officials say their typical processing time runs four to six weeks, though Pennsauken has faced scrutiny over its firearm permitting practices in the past. The outcome could affect how local governments nationwide handle concealed and open carry applications amid continued legal pressure following the Supreme Court's expansion of gun rights.

In other South Jersey news, Collingswood officials are negotiating with Camden County over potential county support for the historic Scottish Rite Theater, which has required public subsidies since the pandemic. A financial evaluation and possible agreement details are still pending, with implications for the nonprofit currently operating the venue and its staff.

Republicans are targeting Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, both New York Democrats, for voting against a federal spending bill that included funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, despite both having previously touted their support for the program. The bill, HR 7148, passed the House 217-214 on Feb. 3 and was signed by President Trump, ending a four-day government shutdown. It provided funding for several federal departments and extended the WTC health program's funding formula through 2040 to address rising medical costs for 9/11 responders and survivors.

Most Democrats opposed the bill amid a standoff over ICE funding, though 21 Democrats, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer and James Clyburn, voted for it. The National Republican Congressional Committee accused Suozzi and Gillen of hypocrisy given their earlier statements backing the health program. Both campaigns pushed back, with Suozzi's team calling it a partisan attack and Gillen's spokesperson citing her personal ties to 9/11 and record of advocacy. Both Long Island Democrats face competitive re-election races in November.

The Republican National Committee has filed a federal lawsuit against New Jersey election officials, including Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell and the secretary of state, seeking data on noncitizens registered to vote. State officials have acknowledged roughly 6,600 noncitizen registrations, though the Trump administration estimates the true figure could be 35,000 or higher. Rep. Tom Kean has filed a separate suit as a New Jersey constituent.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has refused to turn over voter data to federal officials, citing privacy concerns for state residents. A spokesman for Sherrill said Republicans have made similar requests in other states more than twenty times without success in court. The RNC had asked New Jersey to explain by September how noncitizens were added to voter rolls, what removal efforts are underway, and who is responsible for oversight. The dispute comes as both parties intensify efforts around voter roll accuracy and election administration ahead of the 2026 midterms.

A New Jersey Superior Court judge cleared the way Tuesday for the Ocean County Board of Elections to continue inquiries into the voting eligibility of dozens of Bay Head residents, denying an emergency injunction sought by the ACLU of New Jersey on behalf of the League of Women Voters. The plaintiffs argued the challenge process, aimed at registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters whose tax bills are mailed out of town, amounted to a politically motivated purge during the pre-election quiet period. The board countered that it is simply fulfilling its duty to verify domicile status.

A tense public meeting followed the ruling, with the evenly split board's Republican chairman George Gilmore and Democratic secretary Wyatt Earp clashing over a list of 39 flagged voters submitted by a local GOP official that included no Republicans. Several voters have already been removed or asked to be removed from the rolls. Gilmore drew sharp backlash, including for a joking remark about immigration enforcement being "on call" at the polls. The ACLU and League of Women Voters are weighing an appeal.

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned last week after an independent investigation, led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, substantiated multiple allegations of harassment and ethics violations. Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the probe found "a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this administration." Findings included inappropriate remarks toward young women, pushing for the promotion of a romantic partner in another state department without disclosure, and bringing nonpaying personal guests to official ticketed events. Caldwell, who also served as the state's chief elections official, continues to deny the allegations but stepped down nonetheless.

Caldwell was Sherrill's own running mate, chosen less than a year ago, making her swift response notable in a state with a long history of tolerated official misconduct. Sherrill said she would name a new lieutenant governor within 45 days, a decision with added significance given the upcoming midterm election and election-security concerns.

An investigation commissioned by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill found that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment and violated state ethics rules. The 61-page report, released Thursday, concluded Caldwell told a female staffer that "you young women are looking for young sperm" after she said a younger friend was not interested in him — a remark investigators deemed harassment and found his denial not credible. The staffer said she later tried to distance herself from him at work. The report also substantiated ethics violations: Caldwell twice sought a promotion for his girlfriend without disclosing the relationship, continuing even after being notified of the investigation, and brought nonpaying guests to seven official events despite repeated warnings and training.

The inquiry began in May after an anonymous complaint to the state's ethics officer. Attorney Christopher Porrino and former prosecutor Shontae Gray led the investigation, interviewing at least 17 people. Caldwell has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations false and politically motivated. Sherrill gave him until Friday to resign, calling the findings "extremely troubling" and citing a pattern of behavior. Caldwell oversees the Department of State and elections, including the upcoming November midterms.