Kean Concedes 7th Congressional District Race Against Malinowski

CENTRAL JERSEY — Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. conceded the race against incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski on Friday for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District seat.

The Associated Press called the race in Malinowski's favor on Election Night, but his significant 28,000-vote lead dwindled in the following days. As it stands, the incumbent won by less than 4,400 votes, about a 1 percent margin.

In a statement, Kean congratulated the incumbent on winning the election and called for bipartisanship moving forward.

"The one percent margin between Rep. Malinowski and myself demonstrates the desire for strong leadership, but also for the need to find bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing our country right now," Kean said in a statement, in part. "Our nation and the people of this Congressional district need to look forward."

Kean also thanked those who backed his bid.

"I am proud of the campaign we ran and incredibly thankful for all of our supporters," Kean said. "I am overwhelmed by the amount of time, energy and resources that were invested into my campaign. Rhonda and I will be forever grateful for your generosity, support and friendship."

In a statement, Malinowski, a first-term congressman who won in the 2018 Democratic "Blue Wave," thanked Kean for conceding, saying he is now looking forward to find solutions to New Jersey's most pressing problems.

“Voters have sent us a message that they want leaders who will defend our country’s principles, while working together, irrespective of political party, to solve our country’s problems,” the Democrat said in a statement, in part. “Our attention must now turn to the work that I know unites the overwhelming majority of us, beginning with defeating the pandemic, helping the individuals and businesses it has harmed, and restoring a strong economy.”

The race got national attentions since Democrats who control the House Of Representatives stand to lose seats after gaining the majority in 2018.

Kean, the son of the popular former New Jersey Gov. Tom Kean, refused to concede despite the fact that The Associated Press had called the race. As the counting proceeded over the past week, Kean made up considerable ground and even appeared to have a chance of overtaking Malinowski.

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