By: Madison Rosenberg
The 2026 midterms have concluded in South Jersey, and residents expressed differing views on voting participation. On Tuesday, November 3, voters across the United States cast their ballots in elections for 35 seats in the U.S. Senate and all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Before the midterms, Republicans held a narrow majority in the House and a 53-47 majority in the Senate, according to an article by CBS News. Both parties sought to secure majorities in the House and Senate. Voters in 36 states also elected governors, adding to the significance of the midterm cycle this year. Historically, changes in congressional control have resulted in shifts in tax policy, according to an article by The Independent. Based on election results reported by the Associated Press, Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, giving the party greater influence over federal legislation, congressional oversight and negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration.
In New Jersey, multiple candidates competed in the U.S. Senate election. Cory Booker, the Democratic incumbent, sought reelection. His main opponent was Republican candidate Justin Murphy, but Veronica Fernandez of the End the Corruption! Party and Joanne Kuniansky of the Socialist Workers Party also appeared on the ballot. Eduardo Castillo was a Democratic write-in candidate.
In addition to the Senate election, New Jersey voters elected representatives in each of the state’s 12 congressional districts. Before the election, Democrats held the majority of those seats, with nine representatives. U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey’s 12th District, which includes portions of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties, was the only incumbent who did not run for reelection.
Even with such a significant election taking place, how did the South Jersey residents interviewed feel about participating in elections beyond the presidential election? Those interviewed expressed differing views, but some were steadfast in their belief that voting is essential.
“It is extremely important to vote,” said Mount Laurel resident Dante Venuto. “I think it is literally the foundation of our constitution. I think the argument, ‘Well, I don’t like either one, so I’m not voting’, is ridiculous, because our country is going to be run by somebody. You should pick the one that you think is going to be better for you. I think the last three elections have been important. It’s clear the current administration is tanking our country. I also think more people will come out this time just because of how crazy it is, how much the economy has been affected, I think the refusal to acknowledge anything wrong is pissing people off.”
“I’m absolutely going to be voting,” said Rowan student Dylan Donahue. “There’s just like, no way I can’t. Everything sucks right now, and we have the ability to change that.”
“I mailed my vote in already,” said another student, Lincoln Mader. “It’s definitely important, and I want to have a say in these things. It’s good to know about who is in charge of the state you live in.”
While other students said they were voting, some expressed uncertainty about participating in the election. One student said she had class that day. “I don’t do politics,” said another. Some said they did not know enough about the election. Other students declined to answer questions or provide their names and further context.
One resident, however, expressed strong opposition to participating in the election and explained why she would not be voting.
“I’m not voting because no candidates have my best interest in mind,” said Medford resident Charlotte Nussbaum. “I feel like nobody is independent financially, like nobody can take money out of their personal politics and just have everyone’s interests at heart. I’ve just lost so much faith in all politics.”
Nussbaum continued, emphasizing her distrust of politics and government officials in general. “I’ve just lost all faith in this. Everyone’s just bad everywhere,” said Nussbaum. “I guess you could say I’m extremely cynical.”
The South Jersey residents interviewed expressed different opinions about voting. Several students and residents who planned to vote remained committed to participating, while others cited a lack of information, competing obligations or distrust of political candidates as reasons for not voting.
The election concluded on November 3, with preliminary results indicating that New Jersey would remain predominantly Democratic in its congressional representation. According to reported election results, Democrat Zack Mullock defeated Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew in the state’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of South Jersey. Democrat Rebecca Bennett defeated Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in the 7th District, giving Democrats 11 of New Jersey’s 12 House seats. Republican Christopher H. Smith won reelection in the 4th District, which includes portions of Ocean and Monmouth counties. The state also reelected Cory Booker to the U.S. Senate.
Nationally, Democrats gained majorities in both the Senate and House, flipping several formerly Republican-held seats. For the South Jersey residents interviewed, the election reflected differing levels of confidence in the political process, but those who chose to vote emphasized the importance of making their voices heard.
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This article was produced as part of Follow South Jersey’s student journalism program, which provides aspiring journalists with practical experience in professional news reporting and writing.
