Democrat · New Jersey's 7th District · 2026
Rebecca Bennett
Bennett flew Navy helicopters and became an experimental test pilot before moving into health care businesses.
Biography
Rebecca Bennett and her husband, both Navy veterans, chose New Jersey for its schools and opportunities to work in healthcare.1 They are raising two children in Bridgewater.1 Born in New York and raised in Texas, she moved to New Jersey after leaving active Navy service.1
An ROTC scholarship helped Bennett study chemical engineering at Cornell University, where she graduated in 2009.23 Her Navy career included flying MH-60 Seahawk helicopters and working as an experimental test pilot and aircraft commander.2 She used the GI Bill to earn an MBA at Wharton while working as a test pilot, and she now serves as an officer in the Air National Guard.2
Her civilian healthcare work has included Midi Health, which focuses on menopause care, and Oshi Health, which specializes in gastrointestinal care.3 Her military experience also included leading missions through the Strait of Hormuz.1 In June 2026, she won the Democratic nomination in a district the party has targeted in its effort to regain the House majority.3
Bennett proposes more housing construction, restoring the full state and local tax deduction, paid family leave and funding for elder care.4 She also supports a ban on congressional stock trading.1 She opposes the Iran war, saying military action requires clear objectives and an exit strategy.1 Her Republican opponent is incumbent Thomas Kean Jr.1
Record and controversies
Outside PAC advertising during the primary
On May 29, 2026, the New Jersey Globe reported that Real Change PAC, which presented itself as progressive, had circulated AI generated images showing Bennett with ICE agents and had identifiable links to a Republican consulting firm.5 Bennett sent a cease and desist letter challenging the communications and demanding disclosure before the June 2 primary; the report said the PAC's normal disclosure deadline was June 20.5 Bennett also sent Kean's campaign a document preservation notice, but the article expressly said no specific evidence of coordination had emerged.5
Verification limit: This describes a primary campaign dispute and reporting available on May 29, not an adjudicated campaign finance violation. A later enforcement disposition was not verified.