The Informed Ballot logo: Capitol dome with a red-and-blue checkmark behind itThe Informed BallotKnow who represents you
New Jersey state flag

Senate race · 2026

New Jersey Senate Race

One of New Jersey’s two seats in the U.S. Senate is on the ballot in 2026. Incumbent Democrat Cory Booker is seeking re-election in a state that has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972.

All 2026 races

2 candidates · what each one campaigns on

Cory Booker

Democratic · Incumbent

Their record

Currently: United States Senator

Cory Booker grew up in northern New Jersey, attended Stanford and Oxford, and served as mayor of Newark before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2013.

Campaign platform

  • Affordability and Cost of Living

    Booker's top issue is bringing down costs and making daily life more affordable for New Jerseyans, focusing on basic necessities like rent, mortgages, gas, utilities, groceries, and child/elder care.

    EconomySource

  • Improve the Economy

    He aims to improve the economy to ensure that hard work allows people to get ahead, rather than just get by.

    EconomySource
Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Justin Murphy

Republican

Justin Murphy is a former Tabernacle committeeman and local elected official who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Campaign platform

  • Election Integrity

    Murphy supports the SAVE America Act, which would establish federal voter-identification requirements and require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

    DemocracySource

  • Voter Registration

    He raised concerns about noncitizens being added to New Jersey's voter rolls due to a software failure, arguing that even one fraudulent vote compromises the electoral system.

    DemocracySource

  • Inspire Voters

    Murphy believes the Republican party can succeed by inspiring voters with a clear vision and the backbone to fight for it.

    DemocracySource
Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the The Informed Ballot profiles.