Incumbent Republican Jeff Van Drew holds a commanding position in New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district heading into the November 3, 2026, general election, supported by the seat’s consistent Republican lean—evidenced by Donald Trump’s 13-point margin there in 2024—and Van Drew’s established record as a four-term representative who switched parties in 2019. Zack Mullock, the Democratic nominee and Cape May mayor who won his June primary, has drawn increased national attention after the DCCC added the district to its “Districts in Play” list in early October, signaling resource support for the challenger. Most independent ratings still classify the race as Solid or Safe Republican, reflecting limited public polling and Van Drew’s prior success fending off opponents. A late-October debate offers one remaining forum for direct comparison before voters decide.