NJ-12: In NJ's most crowded Democratic primary, liberals fight to own the progressive vote

New Jerseyans head to the polls in less than two weeks in a host of high-stakes primary races for Democrats ahead of November’s midterm elections. But none are more crowded than the state’s sprawling 12th Congressional District, which leans heavily blue and encompasses urban locales like Trenton, wealthy suburbs like Princeton and working-class towns like Manville.

Thirteen candidates are running for the Democratic nomination to replace Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is retiring after holding the seat for the past 11 years. She won her last two congressional elections with more than 63% of the vote.

But three top fundraisers have emerged from the field, said Matt Hale, a political professor at Seton Hall University. In the first quarter of 2026, Hamawy brought in over half a million dollars, well more than any other candidate. East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen was second with just over $400,000, and former head of the New Jersey Working Families Party Sue Altman was a close third with $406,000. It’s unclear how much additional money candidates have raised in the past two months.

The question now, Hale said, is how far left Democratic voters are willing to go when choosing their nominee.




https://gothamist.com/news/in-njs-most-crowded-democratic-primary-liberals-fight-to-own-the-progressive-vote