New Jersey GOP incumbent and Democratic challenger spar over Iran war and tariffs

Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett clashed in a debate on Sunday over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran.

The debate, the first and only before the Nov 3 mid‑term election, took place in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, a swing seat that has switched parties in each of the last two midterms. Kean defended Trump’s protectionist trade policies and his decision to launch attacks on Iran, arguing that Iran’s “terrorist leadership” seeks a nuclear weapon.

Bennett, a Navy veteran and former healthcare executive, urged an end to the conflict, saying the war is driving up gas prices. She called on the Dáil‑like Congress to rein in Trump’s use of tariffs on imports.

Kean, who returned to the House in June after a four‑month unexplained absence later disclosed as treatment for depression, missed more than 100 votes. He is seeking a third term, while Bennett is a political newcomer who won a competitive primary in June.

Both campaigns have attracted significant funding, with a Republican super‑PAC pledging over €3 million for Kean and a Democratic PAC earmarking about €2.5 million for television ads in the New York market to aid Bennett.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Paula Nardini / Pexels.