NJ-07: Brian Varela wins Sussex Dem convention

Businessman Brian Varela scored a first-ballot victory to win the endorsement of Sussex County Democrats, giving him a first ballot victory in a field of five congressional candidates in New Jersey’s 7th district seeking party support to take on two-term Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield).

At today’s convention, Varela defeated Rebecca Bennett, 84-53, followed by Megan O’Rourke (13), Michael Roth (7), and Tina Shah (3). Two additional votes were cast for no candidate.

Varela’s 52%-33% win over Bennett, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, gave him an outright win without a second ballot. He now gets to use the Sussex Democratic organization’s slogan on the June primary ballot.

“My campaign is laser-focused on reaching and winning every voter in NJ-7, regardless of zip code,” Varela said. “Every county in this district has hardworking people grappling with the burden of rising costs, from housing and groceries to medical bills.


https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/brian-varela-wins-sussex-dem-convention-in-nj-7-race/