New Jersey Voters to Choose U.S. Senator November 3
Four candidates will face off in the general election for the state's U.S. Senate seat.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Political Parties
Live Poll
Do you prefer a long-serving incumbent or an outsider candidate to represent your state in Senate?
New Jersey voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the outcome of the U.S. Senate race. Four candidates, including incumbent Democrat Cory Booker and Republican nominee Justin Murphy, are vying for the position.
Why it matters
The election carries historical weight as a victory for Justin Murphy would mark the first time a Republican has won a New Jersey Senate seat since 1972. Incumbent Cory Booker has held the seat since 2013.
The race features four candidates competing for the Senate seat, including two major party nominees and two third-party representatives. Justin Murphy secured the GOP nomination in June 2026, while Cory Booker runs for re-election.
The players
Cory Booker
He is the Democratic incumbent who has represented New Jersey in the U.S. Senate since 2013.
Justin Murphy
He is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate who won his party's primary in June 2026.
Veronica Fernandez
She is a third-party candidate representing the End the Corruption! Party.
Joanne Kuniansky
She is a third-party candidate representing the Socialist Workers Party.
The details
The ballot includes third-party candidates Veronica Fernandez of the End the Corruption! Party and Joanne Kuniansky of the Socialist Workers Party. Candidates Natalie Rivera and Eduardo Castillo are also participating as unofficial candidates.
Timeline
The last time a Republican won a New Jersey Senate race was in 1972.
Cory Booker began his tenure in the U.S. Senate in 2013.
Justin Murphy secured the GOP nomination in June 2026.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
This election challenges the long-standing Democratic dominance in New Jersey Senate races, a pattern firmly established by the results of the 1972 election. Opposition groups emphasize the necessity of breaking the incumbent's decade-long hold on the seat.
The outcome of this race will determine which candidate sets federal policy for New Jersey residents starting in 2027. Voters will decide on the direction of representation for the state in the upcoming general election on November 3, 2026.
The takeaway
Voters should review the platforms of all four candidates to understand how their respective policy goals might affect the state. Preparing for the November 3, 2026, election involves verifying registration status and polling locations in advance.
Further reading
For more on the current state of local contests, visit the Political Parties section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer a long-serving incumbent or an outsider candidate to represent your state in Senate?
