Rebecca Bennett is a lifelong public servant, former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, healthcare leader, and mom of two running to represent New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A graduate of Cornell University, Bennett served over a decade in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander and later as a test pilot — roles that demanded precision, leadership under pressure, and unwavering commitment to mission and team. She also continues to serve in the Air National Guard, bringing a deep understanding of military service and national security to her campaign.
After military service, Bennett earned her M.B.A., with honors, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and translated her leadership into the private sector as a healthcare business executive, working with startups and established companies to expand access to care and improve patient outcomes. As a parent navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty, she has firsthand insight into the challenges facing New Jersey families. Bennett launched her congressional campaign to bring pragmatic, mission-driven leadership to Washington, focused on lowering costs, expanding healthcare access, defending democracy, and prioritizing national security and jobs for her community.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs & Expanding Opportunity: Bennett prioritizes policies to make everyday life more affordable for families balancing work, child care, and household expenses.
- Healthcare Access & Innovation: With experience in healthcare leadership, she aims to expand affordable healthcare access and lower drug costs for New Jersey residents.
- National Security & Defense: As a seasoned military officer, Bennett emphasizes protecting America’s security and supporting veterans and military families.
- Defending Democracy & Rights: She vows to defend constitutional rights, protect free and fair elections, and resist political extremism.
- Economic Growth & Jobs: Bennett supports bipartisan solutions to strengthen the economy, grow good-paying jobs, and help small businesses thrive in NJ-07.
Accomplishments & Endorsements
- Decorated Military Leadership: Bennett served more than 15 years in the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard as a helicopter pilot and aircraft commander, including test piloting — a testament to her leadership and performance under pressure.
- Healthcare Innovation Experience: In the private sector, she has led efforts to expand access to healthcare services and innovate in patient care delivery.
- Strong Fundraising Momentum: Bennett has raised more than $1.9 million in the 2025 cycle — more than any Democratic contender in the district — with strong grassroots support from small donors.
- Key Endorsements: She has been endorsed by national organizations like VoteVets and New Politics, and by members of Congress including Rep. Pat Ryan, as well as prominent local Democratic leaders, reflecting growing confidence in her candidacy and electability.
- Grassroots Campaign: With tens of thousands of individual donors and refusal of corporate PAC money, her campaign is built on a people-first model focused on accountability and community trust.
As a military veteran and a working mom with two kids in public school, I was called to run for Congress after the November election to end the divisiveness and bring folks together.
My name is Rebecca Bennett, and I am ready to deliver for New Jersey’s 7th.