NJ-04: Democratic field against Chris Smith expands and shifts

The Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 4th congressional district – which, absent an enormous upset, is likely a contest for who will go on to lose to Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) in November – has shifted and expanded in recent weeks.

One of the three Democrats who had launched campaigns in 2025, registered nurse Keith Doll, announced at the beginning of the year that he was dropping out of the race. “It has become clear to me that due to extenuating circumstances beyond my control, I cannot dedicate the time, emotional energy, financial requirements, or physical resources to the depths that a true campaign taking on an entrenched incumbent would entail,” Doll said in a Facebook post.

But filings with the Federal Election Commission and the Monmouth County Democratic Committee, which is set to hold its 2026 convention on February 7, reveal that several other Democrats are interested in running for the seat.

Monmouth Democrats’ filing deadline for candidates interested in seeking the party organization’s support was on December 27, and four candidates submitted their names for the 4th district endorsement: professor Julie Flynn and union electrician John Blake, who both entered the race last year, and newcomers Bob English and Rachel Peace.



https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/democratic-field-against-chris-smith-expands-and-shifts/