Businessman Brian Varela scored a first-ballot victory to win the endorsement of Sussex County Democrats, giving him a first ballot victory in a field of five congressional candidates in New Jersey’s 7th district seeking party support to take on two-term Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield).
At today’s convention, Varela defeated Rebecca Bennett, 84-53, followed by Megan O’Rourke (13), Michael Roth (7), and Tina Shah (3). Two additional votes were cast for no candidate.
Varela’s 52%-33% win over Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, gave him an outright win without a second ballot. He now gets to use the Sussex Democratic organization’s slogan on the June primary ballot.
“My campaign is laser-focused on reaching and winning every voter in NJ-7, regardless of zip code,” Varela said. “Every county in this district has hardworking people grappling with the burden of rising costs, from housing and groceries to medical bills.
Sussex County Democratic State Committeeman AJ Riccardi, a Stanhope councilman, praised Varela for spending time in Sussex since joining the race to unseat Kean last year.
“Too often, those of us in Northwest New Jersey have been forgotten about but Brian was here early and often and most importantly made clear that he cares about our concerns now and will continue to do so once he is elected to Congress,” Riccardi said. “He made clear that he intends to leave no one behind.”
Today was the second Democratic convention in the 7th district, considered one of the most competitive House races in the nation this year. Two weeks ago, Bennett defeated Varela on the second ballot in Hunterdon County.
Sussex Democrats also endorsed Cory Booker for re-election to the U.S. Senate. Booker defeated challenger Chris Fields, 132-28, an 83% victory.
“Sussex is turning the tide toward change. We saw huge democratic growth in 2025, and we look forward to playing our part in taking back the House and Senate,” stated Zoe Heath, the Sussex County Democratic Chair. “And CD-7 is vital in that endeavor. Our committee is made up of voters from all walks of life, and the decisive win that Brian Varela and his campaign achieved here today shows he is our best shot to defeat Tom Kean Jr.”
