Who Is Running for Senate in New Jersey in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Cory Booker
(Incumbent)Economy
HighCory Booker reintroduced the Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act to establish a model federal jobs program in high-unemployment areas, providing living wages and benefits. He supports a $15 minimum wage, stating it is unacceptable for full-time workers to live in poverty. Booker also backed a pilot program for guaranteed jobs and secured $123.2 million in federal funding for New Jersey programs in the Fiscal Year 2026.
Immigration
HighCory Booker advocates for significant immigration reform, including the reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which aims to phase out for-profit detention centers, end mandatory detention, and increase oversight. He opposes new ICE detention centers in New Jersey, citing concerns about community impact and management. Booker also supported a bipartisan bill to address the status of Dreamers, emphasizing it as a moral imperative.
Healthcare
HighCory Booker voted against a government funding bill because he believed it would lead to devastating increases in healthcare costs for Americans. He advocates for affordable healthcare access, stating that he will not stop fighting for it. He has also criticized healthcare compromises, emphasizing the need to lower costs and calling for Democrats to do more for the American people.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Cory Booker |
|---|---|
| Economy | Cory Booker reintroduced the Federal Jobs Guarantee Development Act to establish a model federal jobs program in high-unemployment areas, providing living wages and benefits. He supports a $15 minimum wage, stating it is unacceptable for full-time workers to live in poverty. Booker also backed a pilot program for guaranteed jobs and secured $123.2 million in federal funding for New Jersey programs in the Fiscal Year 2026. High |
| Immigration | Cory Booker advocates for significant immigration reform, including the reintroduction of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which aims to phase out for-profit detention centers, end mandatory detention, and increase oversight. He opposes new ICE detention centers in New Jersey, citing concerns about community impact and management. Booker also supported a bipartisan bill to address the status of Dreamers, emphasizing it as a moral imperative. High |
| Healthcare | Cory Booker voted against a government funding bill because he believed it would lead to devastating increases in healthcare costs for Americans. He advocates for affordable healthcare access, stating that he will not stop fighting for it. He has also criticized healthcare compromises, emphasizing the need to lower costs and calling for Democrats to do more for the American people. High |
| Climate & Energy | Cory Booker voted Nay on the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. He co-chairs the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus and has criticized the Trump administration for eliminating the EPA's ability to protect public health from climate change. His climate plan includes funding for renewable energy, pollution reduction, and investments in environmental justice communities. He was an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal resolution and proposed the Climate Stewardship Act. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Cory Booker supports abortion and reproductive rights, sponsoring a bill to roll back states' ability to limit abortion access. He voted in favor of cloture on motions to proceed to the Right to IVF Act and the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, both aimed at establishing statutory rights for assisted reproductive technologies and protecting abortion access. He advocates for protecting a woman's right to choose, and NARAL Pro-Choice America has commended his plan. Medium |
| Foreign Policy | Cory Booker advocates for increased congressional oversight of military actions and spending, emphasizing accountability within the Pentagon's budget. He supported measures requiring Senate consent for NATO withdrawal and repealing the 2002 AUMF to reaffirm Congress' role in war. Booker also calls for reexamining the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia, citing human rights concerns, and has voted to end U.S. arms sales to the kingdom. High |
| Education | Cory Booker advocates for educational equity, believing a student's zip code should not determine their life trajectory. He introduced the RAISE Act to increase teacher compensation through refundable tax credits and the Advanced Coursework Equity Act to improve underrepresented students' access to advanced courses. He also joined colleagues in requesting the Education Department revise guidance limiting student civic engagement activities. Medium |
| Gun Policy | Cory Booker supports stricter federal gun safety laws, including universal background checks and bans on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. He reintroduced the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, which mandates background checks and proper training for gun ownership. He voted 'Yea' on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and 'Nay' on H.J.Res. 44, opposing the nullification of a rule regarding stabilizing braces. He cites gun violence in his Newark neighborhood and believes firearm licensing laws reduce gun-related deaths. High |
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