AP Calls NJ-8 Congress Race: Rob Menendez Vs. 3 Challengers

This article was updated at 9 p.m. on Nov. 3.

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Incumbent 8th District Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. has won re-election to his seat, the Associated Press declared on Tuesday night.

Menendez's early vote totals were significantly higher than his three third-party challengers. He did not face a Republican candidate.

Since voters could mail their ballots until 8 p.m. Tuesday, the final numbers won't be known for days.

The district includes much of Hudson County and parts of Newark and Elizabeth.

Here are the totals from Hudson and Essex counties. Totals from Elizabeth in Union County were not yet available as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Preliminary Vote Totals, Hudson And Essex Counties:

• Robert Menendez Jr. (Democrat): 56,819 + 2,523
• Aristotle Eliopolous (Independent): 3,412 + 82
• Craig Honts (Socialist Workers Party): 3,651 + 73
• Da'Shone Hughey (We The People Party): 2,133 + 88
• Write-In: 642

(Note: Candidate profiles were received only for Menendez and Eliopolous.)

Menendez will now serve a third two-year term.

Click here to read candidate profiles.

Have a letter or release share? Here's how to post candidate releases and letters on any local Patch.

See the New Jersey voter information portal and election timelines here.