President Trump endorsed Representative Thomas Kean Jr. on Monday night, claiming the absent congressman has been 'working tirelessly' despite not appearing publicly in nearly three months. Kean has missed over 100 floor votes since March while receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition, raising questions about his ability to campaign effectively in New Jersey's Seventh District.

The race has become the state's most competitive House contest, with four Democrats vying to challenge the incumbent in November. Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy pilot, leads in fundraising and polling among the field of newcomers. All candidates have positioned themselves as alternatives to Trump while focusing on cost-of-living issues facing New Jersey residents.

Republican spending has intensified the primary battle. The Real Change PAC, formed in Nebraska last month, has spent approximately $650,000 on negative advertisements targeting Bennett specifically. This strategy aims to elevate more progressive opponents deemed less likely to defeat Kean in the general election, drawing criticism from Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Bennett has responded forcefully, filing a cease-and-desist order and launching counter-ads accusing Republicans of spending big to spread lies. The district's history of flipping between parties twice in the last decade makes it a crucial battleground for House control, with voter turnout expected to be driven by anti-Trump sentiment rather than enthusiasm for the candidates.