Who Is Running in New Jersey Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Robert Menendez
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCongressman Robert Menendez supports raising the minimum wage and has a pro-union voting record, as reflected by a 93% rating from the AFL-CIO in December 2003. He has also advocated for extending unemployment compensation during recessions. In 2026, he voted to advance $19.1 million in federal funding for community projects, aiming to deliver federal resources directly to local communities. He criticized policies leading to increased costs for groceries, childcare, and utility bills.
Immigration
HighCongressman Robert Menendez opposes current immigration enforcement, criticizing House Republicans for blocking his amendments to H.R. 7147 aimed at restricting funds for warehouse-style detention centers and improving visitor conditions. He advocates for humane and effective border security, including closing private detention centers and establishing new legal pathways to citizenship. Menendez states that current enforcement policies are "un-American" and target "Black and brown communities," noting that over 70% of New Jersey detainees lack criminal records.
Healthcare
HighRobert Menendez supports affordable and accessible healthcare, stating it is a human right. He voted to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to protect families from skyrocketing premiums and supported the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act to increase cost disclosure and accountability. He also chairs the Dads Caucus Mental Health Working Group, aiming to address mental health stigmas and expand access to services.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Robert Menendez |
|---|---|
| Economy | Congressman Robert Menendez supports raising the minimum wage and has a pro-union voting record, as reflected by a 93% rating from the AFL-CIO in December 2003. He has also advocated for extending unemployment compensation during recessions. In 2026, he voted to advance $19.1 million in federal funding for community projects, aiming to deliver federal resources directly to local communities. He criticized policies leading to increased costs for groceries, childcare, and utility bills. High |
| Immigration | Congressman Robert Menendez opposes current immigration enforcement, criticizing House Republicans for blocking his amendments to H.R. 7147 aimed at restricting funds for warehouse-style detention centers and improving visitor conditions. He advocates for humane and effective border security, including closing private detention centers and establishing new legal pathways to citizenship. Menendez states that current enforcement policies are "un-American" and target "Black and brown communities," noting that over 70% of New Jersey detainees lack criminal records. High |
| Healthcare | Robert Menendez supports affordable and accessible healthcare, stating it is a human right. He voted to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to protect families from skyrocketing premiums and supported the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act to increase cost disclosure and accountability. He also chairs the Dads Caucus Mental Health Working Group, aiming to address mental health stigmas and expand access to services. High |
| Climate & Energy | Robert Menendez advocates for a clean energy economy, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 and provide resident cost savings for clean energy transitions. He co-introduced H.R. 6983 and H.R. 6984, legislation requiring data centers to generate their own clean energy and transition to 100% renewable sources by 2040, to protect constituents from rising electricity bills. He voted against cuts to climate programs to support environmental justice and ensure a healthy planet for future generations. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Congressman Robert Menendez advocates for expanding access to affordable health care and protecting a woman's right to choose. He intends to fight for the codification of Roe v. Wade to restore reproductive autonomy and supports legislation to ensure safer, more accessible abortion medication. Menendez also plans to advocate for the FDA to lift restrictions on mail-order medications and work to repeal the Hyde Amendment, citing its impact on women of limited means. Low |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman Rob Menendez stated his opposition to a president unilaterally committing the U.S. to war without congressional authorization. He called for Congress to immediately reassert its war powers, specifically mentioning the need to pass a war powers resolution to prevent an unauthorized war with Iran. He believes supporting Iranian democracy is possible without initiating a conflict. High |
| Education | Robert Menendez advocates for accessible and affordable education, supporting the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act and the Universal School Meals Program Act. He also co-sponsors the College for All Act and the Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act to address student debt. Menendez introduced the Parental Workforce Training Act and co-sponsored child care legislation. He is endorsed by the NJEA and NEA, stating his commitment to educators. High |
| Gun Policy | Robert Menendez supports increasing the scope of background checks and reenacting the federal assault weapons ban. He advocates for safe firearm storage and for closing loopholes in gun purchasing laws, additionally supporting measures to expand the ability to remove guns from abusive dating partners, felons, and children. He has called for Senate votes on gun safety measures, emphasizing that assault weapons with high-capacity magazines do not belong in communities. High |
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