Republicans Beat Back Democratic Challenge to Hold New Jersey House Seat

Representative Thomas Kean Jr., a first-term Republican, was re-elected on Tuesday after a hard-fought race in New Jersey against a Democratic challenger, Sue Altman, according to The Associated Press.

Mr. Kean, 56, had been locked in one of the country’s most closely watched battles for re-election as Republicans fought to retain a majority in the House of Representatives. Similarly contested races in New York and California were expected to help determine which party controls the House when lawmakers take the oath of office in January.

“We need to stand with our allies — Israel and so many others. That is essential for the future of this world,” Mr. Kean told supporters who gathered in Basking Ridge, N.J., to celebrate his victory.

“America must continue to lead as a beacon of freedom and of democracy worldwide.”

Ms. Altman, 42, raised slightly more in campaign contributions than Mr. Kean. But Mr. Kean, the namesake of a popular former New Jersey governor, benefited from a flurry of outside spending.

Political action committees run by the House Republicans’ campaign arm and by Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, spent roughly $8.6 million on the race, about double the amount contributed by national Democratic organizations.

Before entering the race for the Seventh Congressional District more than a year ago, Ms. Altman, a former teacher and professional basketball player, led the Working Families alliance, a left-leaning political organizing group.