Three candidates are running in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District on June 4, 2024. Two candidates lead in media attention, polls, and campaign finance: Incumbent Robert Menendez, Jr. (D) and Ravinder Bhalla (D).
The election will take place against the backdrop of the federal indictment of Menendez’ father, Sen. Bob Menendez Sr. (D-NJ), on multiple charges. Following the indictment, the younger Menendez said “I have unwavering confidence in my father and his dedication to the New Jerseyans who he has relentlessly fought for in his long career as a public servant. I strongly believe in his integrity and his values, and look forward to seeing him move past this distraction to continue fighting for our state in the United States Senate.”
In a video launching his candidacy, Bhalla said, “I believe that America is better than the demagogues who seek to divide us or the politicians who strive only to serve themselves,” while an image of both the elder and younger Menendez played. In response to Bhalla Menendez said, “While we have advocated tirelessly for Hoboken, it seems the only reason Ravi has entered the race after endorsing me in 2022 and publicly applauding our work this year is because a week after losing control of the city council, he sees no political future for himself in Hoboken.”
Menendez was elected to the U.S. House in 2022 after defeating Marcos Arroyo (R) 72.9% to 24.2%. Menendez said, “I am focused on working every single day to represent my neighbors to the best of my ability. And I will be running for reelection based on that record so I can continue to serve the residents of this district that I love, in stark contrast to those who may run to further their own naked political ambition.”
Bhalla is the Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, and previously worked as a civil rights attorney. He said he is running because “I think we’re at an inflection point in this country and I think we have a great track record of success in Hoboken in terms of finding solutions. We want to bring that to Washington.”
On March 29, 2024, U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi issued a preliminary injunction blocking the use of the county line ballot design in 2024 Democratic primaries in New Jersey. According to Politico: ”The county line is New Jersey’s unique primary ballot design where party-backed candidates are placed in a single column or row from the highest office to the lowest. Candidates not endorsed by county parties are often placed less prominently on primary ballots. Candidates who are on the county line have been shown to have a significant electoral advantage.” At the time of the injunction, the county line ballot design was used in 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
Before Judge Quraishi issued the injunction, all three counties in the district endorsed Menendez. Rider University’s Micah Rasmussen said, “What you have at this point is you have an incumbent who has all the advantages of incumbency, who also has the support of the county organizations but who’s lost the lines. So I would say Menendez is probably still the front runner. But he’s a diminished front runner.”
As of April 21, 2024, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rated the general election Solid Democratic. Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the general election Safe Democratic.
Also running in the primary is Kyle Jasey (D).