Candidate

Adam Rueda

U.S. HouseIndependent

NJ-CD-5 U.S. House

Hispanic

Why This Race Matters

Adam Rueda is running against Josh Gottheimer (D, incumbent), Nick Gebo (D), Chandiha Gajapathy (R), Sean Kirrane (R).

Long-shot independent write-in challenge in NJ-5, a D+2 district rated Solid/Likely Democratic. Rueda represents Gen-Z political engagement and third-party alternatives, co-founding greenparty2.0 to advocate for Earth-first policies and elect young professionals uncorrupted by special interests.

Running as write-in independent in general election November 3, 2026. No campaign website. First-generation college student bringing working-class perspective. greenparty2.0 has raised $145 in contributions with $4,829 balance. NJ-5 spans Bergen (82%), Passaic (7%), and Sussex (11%) counties with median household income of $131K.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Adam Rueda is a 28-year-old independent write-in candidate running for Congress in New Jersey's 5th District. A first-generation college graduate from Andover Township in Sussex County, he co-founded greenparty2.0, an Earth-first, health-first political movement led by Gen-Z activists advocating for climate action, gun control, and election reform. Rueda is a senior financial analyst and former DJ who has worked numerous jobs to support himself, from pool boy to commercial real estate.

Family & Heritage

First-generation college graduate raised in Andover Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. Worked numerous odd jobs throughout his life to support himself. Has a younger sister who was born six days after 9/11. Attended Catholic school at Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School before Pope John XXIII Regional High School. His National Hispanic Scholar recognition confirms at least one parent is of Hispanic/Latino descent.

Political Career

Before Politics

Senior Financial Analyst at commercial real estate brokerage (Morristown); Interior Design Salesperson (Short Hills & Manhattan); DJ in NYC and Brooklyn; Various odd jobs growing up (pool boy, maintenance, snow shoveler, limo dispatcher, intramural referee, wedding setup)

Education

B.S. Business Administration (Financial Management & Accounting), Bucknell University (2019); Diversity Scholarship recipient; Vice President and Social Chair of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity; Student Managed Investment Fund participant; Pope John XXIII Regional High School, Sparta (National Hispanic Scholar, National Honors Society, Tri-County Scholarship, Office of Admissions Ambassador); Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School (K-8)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Climate action and environmental protection (founder of Earth-first movement)

*Gun control reform (storage requirements, mental health evaluations, assault weapon restrictions)

*Reducing corporate lobbying and fossil fuel industry influence in government

*Healthcare accessibility

*Election reform and ranked-choice voting

*Supporting sustainable agriculture and small farmers

*Investigating pharmaceutical industry influence

Notable Legislation

Endorsements

Quick Facts

State: NJ
District: CD-5
Office Level: federal
Party: Independent
Heritage: Hispanic
Education: B.S. Business Administration (Financial Management & Accounting), Bucknell University (2019); Diversity Scholarship recipient; Vice President and Social Chair of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity; Student Managed Investment Fund participant; Pope John XXIII Regional High School, Sparta (National Hispanic Scholar, National Honors Society, Tri-County Scholarship, Office of Admissions Ambassador); Reverend George A. Brown Memorial School (K-8)
Status: Declared