The Associated Press has declared U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez the winner of the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. Menendez defeated Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and real estate executive Kyle Jasey. The safe Democratic seat was not at risk of falling into Republican hands in the upcoming November election. This race served as the first test of the Menendez family’s political future in the state following U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s indictment and trial on federal corruption charges. Rob Menendez is Bob Menendez’s son.
The AP called the race for Menendez at 9:19 p.m. ET, after he had built a significant lead over Bhalla in the district and in the three counties that make up the district in the New York City suburbs. Bhalla needed a strong showing in Hudson County, where his base, Hoboken, is located. However, Menendez also hails from Hudson County and had a double-digit lead there. Menendez was ahead in Essex and Union counties by even wider margins at the time the race was called, and his lead continued to grow.
Menendez led across the district’s political demographics, winning in both strong and moderate Democratic-voting areas. Bhalla had the support of some progressive groups in the district, but that was not enough to overcome Menendez’s substantial lead among moderates. The incumbent congressman also outspent his opponents as of mid-May and was able to maintain his advantage throughout the race.
With the primary victory secured, Menendez is set to run for a second term in Congress amidst the backdrop of his father’s legal troubles. The race not only highlighted the younger Menendez’s political future in the state but also served as a test for his ability to maintain the family’s influence in New Jersey politics. While the election was not expected to shift the seat into Republican control, it did provide insight into the voters’ response to the Menendez family’s ongoing challenges and the candidates’ campaign strategies.
Overall, the AP’s call of the 8th District Democratic primary reflected Menendez’s strong lead across the district and in the key counties. While Bhalla mounted a formidable challenge, Menendez’s performance in Hudson, Essex, and Union counties secured his victory. The race also underscored the significance of fundraising and campaign strategies in local elections, as well as the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party in New Jersey. Menendez’s win cements his position as the Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional District in the upcoming general election.
