Rob Menendez is running against Mussab Ali (D, primary challenger); Richard Barilla (I, general).
Menendez faces his second consecutive primary challenge in this D+15 safe Democratic district. His father's corruption conviction and 11-year prison sentence continue to cast a shadow, making the primary more competitive than the district's partisan lean would suggest.
Primary challenger Mussab Ali is a former Jersey City school board president who would be NJ's first Muslim congressman. Despite the challenge, Menendez has retained HCDO organizational support from Hudson County Democratic chairman and local mayors. He won the 2024 primary with 54.1% against Ravinder Bhalla and general with 59.2%.
Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.