Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeated two-term Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District on Nov. 3, flipping the seat that covers parts of Union County, including Summit.

The Associated Press called the race at 9:48 p.m., WHYY reported. Unofficial results showed Bennett with a lead of more than 20 percentage points over Kean. She won nearly 60% of the vote with 77% counted, according to Gothamist.

As we reported Nov. 2, the race was one of the state's most closely watched contests.

Bennett, 39, served 15 years in the Navy as a helicopter and experimental test pilot before becoming a health care industry executive, according to WHYY. She had never run for political office before. She campaigned on lowering the cost of living for New Jersey residents.

Hundreds of supporters cheered the result at the Bridgewater Manor, where Bennett held her election party, Gothamist reported. Kean called Bennett to congratulate her and commit to a peaceful transition of power, according to Gothamist.

Kean, the son of former Gov. Tom Kean, barred members of the press from his election-night event at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, Gothamist reported. Attendees struck a somber tone as they entered.

His loss followed a difficult year. Kean went missing from Congress in March and was absent for 116 days, missing more than 100 votes, according to Gothamist. He returned in June and said in a speech from the Capitol that he had been hospitalized for depression, WHYY and Gothamist reported.

Republicans slightly outnumber Democrats in the 7th District, which stretches across Warren and Hunterdon counties and parts of Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Union counties, according to the state Division of Elections, WHYY reported. Democrats built a 29,000-vote advantage in early voting, according to Gothamist.

Booker wins Senate race

Sen. Cory Booker won a third full term, defeating Republican Justin Murphy, according to the Associated Press, as News 12 New Jersey reported. ABC News projected Booker the winner over Murphy, a little-known attorney who emerged from a crowded Republican primary in June. New Jersey has not elected a Republican senator since 1972, according to ABC News.

Van Drew concedes in 2nd District

Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew conceded to Democrat Zack Mullock in the 2nd Congressional District, WHYY reported. Van Drew had been seeking a fifth term.

Van Drew told supporters he had already called Mullock, according to WHYY. The Associated Press had not called the race as of 1 a.m. Nov. 4, WHYY reported. 6abc reported that ABC News also had not called the race at that time.

News 12 New Jersey described the result as a surprise flip, noting final votes were still being counted.

Other House races

The Associated Press called several other New Jersey House races on election night, News 12 New Jersey reported:

  • 1st District: Democrat Donald Norcross won reelection.
  • 3rd District: Democrat Herb Conaway won reelection.
  • 4th District: Republican Christopher Smith won reelection.
  • 5th District: Democrat Josh Gottheimer won reelection.
  • 6th District: Democrat Frank Pallone won reelection.
  • 8th District: Democrat Rob Menendez won reelection.
  • 9th District: Democrat Nelinda Pou won reelection.
  • 10th District: Democrat LaMonica McIver won reelection.
  • 11th District: Democrat Analilia Mejia won reelection.
  • 12th District: Democrat Adam Hamawy won election.

Local races still being tallied

Voters in Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights cast ballots in local races on Nov. 3, according to NJ.com's Union County results page. Vote totals had not been reported as of the page's initial posting.

In Summit, the 1st Ward council seat featured Democrat Elizabeth Skoler against Republican Delia Hamlet. The 2nd Ward seat pitted Democrat Emily Seelaus against Republican Jamel Boyer, according to NJ.com's Union County ballot guide.

In New Providence, Democrat Kathleen Dolan challenged Republican Allen Morgan for mayor. Two council seats were contested between Democrats Johan Starr and Tobias Rossmann and Republicans Nadine Geoffroy and Michael Pennisi.

In Berkeley Heights, the mayoral race featured Democrat Susan Poage, Republican John S. Foster Jr. and independent George H. De Luna. Two council seats were contested between Democrats Margaret A. Illis and William A. Machado and Republicans James A. Daoulabani and Edmund Maciejewski.

Union County races on the ballot included three Board of Commissioners seats, county clerk and county sheriff. Results had not been posted as of NJ.com's initial update.

Mail-in ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 can be accepted until Nov. 9, according to NJ.com, so results will continue to change after election night.