Rebecca Bennett, a former healthcare executive and navy veteran, won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's seventh congressional district, calling herself a "political outsider" and a "2010 Honda Accord-driving, navy-veteran mom." She aims to flip a seat held by Republican Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress since March due to an undisclosed medical condition. Bennett emphasized a positive message: "We cannot just be anti-Trump and anti-hate. We have to be for something."
Adam Hamawy: Surgeon and Army Veteran
Adam Hamawy, a 56-year-old plastic surgeon and army veteran, secured the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 12th congressional district. After serving on a medical mission in Gaza in 2024, he was encouraged by retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman to run. Endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar, Hamawy advocates for Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and an arms embargo on Israel. He is likely to become New Jersey's first Muslim member of Congress.
Josh Turek: Paralympian and State Legislator
In Iowa, state legislator Josh Turek won the Democratic Senate nomination. Born with spina bifida from his father's exposure to Agent Orange, Turek uses a wheelchair and is a Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. He defeated Zach Wahls with a "prairie populist" message, emphasizing his working-class roots. The open Senate seat, vacated by Joni Ernst, also features Republican nominee Ashley Hinson. Turek said, "I will be a real fighter for Iowans, the middle class and our working families."
Rob Sand: State Auditor Running for Governor
Rob Sand, the last Democrat holding statewide office in Iowa, won the gubernatorial nomination. Known for hunting and criticizing the two-party system, Sand faces Republican Zach Lahn in November. Sand told MS Now, "Our democracy is run by two private clubs... more focused on that than solving the problems we face." He invited Republican voters to join his campaign.
Scott Wiener: California State Senator
Scott Wiener advanced to the November runoff for San Francisco's congressional district, long held by retiring Nancy Pelosi. Wiener, a moderate Democrat, is known for championing multifamily housing policies. His campaign ad featured a giraffe, referencing his height, and he said, "I've spent my life sticking my neck out for San Francisco." His opponent is yet to be determined.
Sam Forstag: Smokejumper and Political Newcomer
Sam Forstag, a political newcomer and smokejumper, won the Democratic primary in Montana's first congressional district, beating Ryan Busse. He will face Republican Aaron Flint. Backed by Bernie Sanders and AOC, Forstag has a working-class background and a populist message. He said, "We're ready to send working-class representation to Washington... to move past the politics of hate and division."
