Thomas Kean Jr. Secures Re-election in New Jersey

In a closely watched electoral contest, Representative Thomas Kean Jr., a first-term Republican, successfully secured re-election on Tuesday, overcoming a formidable challenge from his Democratic opponent, Sue Altman, as reported by The Associated Press.

At 56 years of age, Mr. Kean found himself in one of the most competitive races in the nation, with Republicans striving to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives. The outcome of this race, along with similarly contested battles in New York and California, is poised to play a crucial role in determining which party will control the House when newly elected lawmakers are sworn in come January.

During a victory celebration with supporters in Basking Ridge, N.J., Mr. Kean emphasized the importance of international alliances, stating, “We need to stand with our allies — Israel and so many others. That is essential for the future of this world.” He further underscored the role of the United States on the global stage by asserting, “America must continue to lead as a beacon of freedom and of democracy worldwide.”

Despite Ms. Altman, 42, raising slightly more in campaign contributions than Mr. Kean, the Republican incumbent benefited significantly from substantial outside spending. Political action committees affiliated with the House Republicans’ campaign arm, along with contributions from Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, collectively poured approximately $8.6 million into the race, nearly double the support provided by national Democratic organizations.

Before launching her campaign for the Seventh Congressional District over a year ago, Ms. Altman, a former educator and professional basketball player, led the Working Families Alliance, a progressive political organizing group focused on advocating for left-leaning policies.