Animal Advocates' Endorsed Candidates Win Key Races
Humane World Action Fund reported that many of its endorsed midterm candidates won, including Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections
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Humane World Action Fund posted its candidate assessment on November 4, saying many of its endorsed midterm candidates won, including Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey who is returning to the Senate. Final election results were still being counted when the group posted.
Why it matters
The group evaluated candidates on animal research, veterinary care, horse slaughter, wildlife protection, and states' rights to enact animal welfare laws, signaling how these issues may shape policy in the next Congress. Its assessment projected that control of both chambers of Congress would swing to Democrats.
Humane World Action Fund's assessment covered endorsed candidates across multiple races, with Sen. Cory Booker among the winners. Final results were not yet certified when the group posted its findings on November 4.
The players
Humane World Action Fund
An animal welfare advocacy organization that evaluates and endorses candidates based on animal protection positions.
Cory Booker
A Democratic U.S. senator from New Jersey who is returning to the Senate and has opposed efforts to block states from passing their own animal protection laws.
The details
Humane World Action Fund's assessment noted that Susan Collins of Maine and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Republican allies in Congress, are departing. La Shawn K. Ford of Illinois and Jasmine Clark of Georgia, both Democrats, are moving to the U.S. House, and governors Katie Hobbs of Arizona, Kathy Hochul of New York, and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire were reelected.
Timeline
- November 4, 2026: Humane World Action Fund posts its candidate endorsement results.
Political Context
The assessment ties into an ongoing fight over whether states can pass their own animal protection laws, a question Sen. Cory Booker has pushed back on against parts of the pork industry. Election outcomes in key races may determine whether that dispute tilts toward state-level authority in the next Congress.
Final vote tallies will determine which endorsed candidates take office, affecting Senate and House positions on animal welfare legislation. Readers can track certified results as counting concludes.
The takeaway
Election results can quietly shape which animal welfare protections become law, so following endorsed candidates' votes after they take office offers a clearer view of where policy is heading.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJTODAY.
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