AFT New Jersey leaders and members say the congressional victories on Nov. 3 by Rebecca Bennett, Zack Mullock and Nellie Pou in the 2026 midterms are a collective step forward for democracy and an opportunity for life-changing improvements across the Garden State.
Bennett, who defeated incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in CD 7, “is someone who understands the value of a union contract and the positive impact it can have on the life of working men and women,” AFT New Jersey President Jennifer S. Higgins said. “We look forward to working with the congresswoman-elect and her staff on continuing to improve working and learning conditions in our public schools and across higher education.”
Mullock was the winner in CD 2 over incumbent Jeff Van Drew, and with that, South Jersey “will now have a congressional representative who will put his constituents first over party,” Higgins said. “As he did as Cape May’s two-term mayor, Mullock will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that the constituents of the second congressional district will have access to quality public education and access to quality and affordable healthcare.”
Incumbent Pou’s victory in CD 9 means AFTNJ can continue its working relationship with her that began years ago when she was a state legislator, said Higgins, noting that “we need more congressional representatives like her” who partner with and support labor.
ABOVE: Rebecca Bennett (center) is joined by AFT New Jersey President Jennifer S. Higgins (second from left) and AFTNJ higher education leaders (from left) Laura Field, Christine O’Connell and Laurie LeFever on Nov. 2 in Somerville prior to a canvass launch.
(Photo by Chris M. Junior)
