NJ-12 Primaries: Meet The Candidates Running For Congress

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Voters in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District will head to the polls on June 2 to choose nominees in one of the state’s most crowded congressional primaries.

The open-seat race follows Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s decision not to seek reelection. The district includes parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties.

See the town-by-town breakdown of NJ-12 below:

Mercer County

• Ewing Township
• Hopewell Borough
• Hopewell Township
• Pennington
• Princeton
• Trenton
• West Windsor Township

Middlesex County

• Cranbury
• Dunellen
• East Brunswick
• Helmetta
• Jamesburg
• Middlesex
• Milltown
• Monroe Township
• North Brunswick
• Old Bridge Township (part)
• Plainsboro Township
• South Brunswick
• South River
• Spotswood

Somerset County

• Bound Brook
• Bridgewater Township (part)
• Franklin Township
• Hillsborough Township (part)
• Manville
• Millstone
• Montgomery Township
• North Plainfield
• Rocky Hill
• South Bound Brook

Union County

• Plainfield

Here’s a look at the candidates running in the Democratic primary, based on information published on their official campaign websites and campaign materials.

Matt Adams

Matt Adams is a former Middlesex Borough councilman and Army Reserve officer running on a platform focused on public service, veterans issues and government accountability. Adams’ campaign says he is focused on “restoring trust in government” and supporting working families.

Campaign website: mattadamsfornj12.com

Sue Altman

Sue Altman’s campaign focuses on affordability, anti-corruption efforts and protecting democracy. Her campaign materials highlight her previous work as executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance and as state director for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim.

Campaign website: suealtman.com

Brad Cohen

East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen’s campaign emphasizes healthcare, affordability, and local government experience. Cohen, a physician, says his campaign is focused on protecting reproductive rights, lowering costs, and defending democracy.

Campaign website: bradcohenforcongress.com

Elijah Dixon

Elijah Dixon describes himself as an entrepreneur and community advocate. His campaign platform has focused on economic opportunity, entrepreneurship and generational change.

Campaign website: elijahfornj.com

Dr. Adam Hamawy

Dr. Adam Hamawy is a surgeon, Army veteran and small business owner whose campaign slogan is “Healthcare, Not Bombs.” His campaign highlights his military service as a combat trauma surgeon and his focus on healthcare affordability, economic inequality and progressive reform.

Campaign website: hamawyfornj.com

Kyle Little

Kyle Little is a fitness studio owner whose campaign focuses on affordability, small business issues, and what he describes as generational change in politics.

Campaign website: kylelittleforcongress.com

Adrian Mapp

Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp says his campaign is centered on economic development, housing affordability and public safety. His campaign highlights his experience leading Plainfield as mayor and managing redevelopment projects.

Campaign website: mapp4congress.com

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson’s campaign emphasizes healthcare access, affordability, public education and criminal justice reform. Her campaign also highlights her legislative experience representing Trenton-area communities.

Campaign website: verlinaforcongress.com

Shanel Robinson

Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson says her campaign is focused on affordability, maternal health, infrastructure and economic opportunity. Her campaign highlights her experience in county government and community advocacy.

Campaign website: shanel4congress.com

Squire Servance

Attorney Squire Servance’s campaign focuses on civil rights, healthcare access and economic equity. His campaign highlights his legal background and advocacy work.

Campaign website: squireservance.com

Sujit Singh

Sujit Singh describes his campaign as “people-powered” and focused on affordability, housing, healthcare, jobs and innovation throughout the district.

Campaign website: sujitsinghforcongress.com

Jay Vaingankar

Jay Vaingankar, a former U.S. Department of Energy adviser, says his campaign is focused on combating extremism, protecting democracy and investing in innovation and clean energy.

Campaign website: jayvaingankar.com

Sam Wang

Princeton neuroscientist Sam Wang is running on a platform centered on democracy reform, science and public health. His campaign slogan is “A Scientist to Save Our Democracy.” His website highlights his work combating partisan gerrymandering and supporting voting reform.

Campaign website: samfornj.org

Gregg Mele (Unopposed GOP Candidate)

Gregg Mele is the only Republican candidate running in the NJ-12 primary. His campaign focuses on limited government, tax policy and constitutional issues.

Campaign website: meleforamerica.com

Election Information

The New Jersey primary election will be held Tuesday, June 2. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NJ-12 includes communities in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties, including Princeton, Trenton, East Brunswick, Franklin Township and Plainfield.