U.S. Senate (NJ)
Incumbent defending · 2026 cycle
Market
Daily Kalshi price history
Daily Kalshi price history. Cory Booker 98%, Justin Murphy 1%.
The race in 60 seconds
- This race features incumbent Cory Booker, a senior Democratic leader, facing Republican challenger Justin Murphy.
- The state has a strong track record of supporting Democratic candidates, with the party winning over 51 percent of the vote in the 2024 presidential election.
- The fundraising gap is extreme, with Booker raising over $33 million compared to Murphy's $27,000.
Can they win this race
The overwhelming fundraising advantage and the state's consistent preference for Democrats make a victory for the Republican challenger virtually impossible.
Who's lining up behind each side
The incumbent possesses a massive, sustained financial and organizational advantage that the underfunded challenger cannot overcome.
What could go wrong
Cory Booker's single confirmed ethical or legal issue is the only specific liability mentioned, though the extreme funding disparity remains the dominant hurdle for the challenger.
Who fits the moment
The incumbent's profile aligns far more closely with the consistent Democratic preferences of the New Jersey electorate.
Money
Excludes $12,049.69 from 21 donors who listed no occupation, or listed retired or not employed.
Excludes $4,344,582.33 from 47,107 donors who listed no occupation, or listed retired or not employed.
Key contrasts
abolish IRS, implement 10-12% flat tax, cut spending
Supports progressive tax policies and targeted economic investments.
1 of 6
| Issue | Justin Murphy | Cory Booker |
|---|---|---|
| Economy and taxes | Supportsabolish IRS, implement 10-12% flat tax, cut spending | SupportsSupports progressive tax policies and targeted economic investments. |
| Healthcare | Supportsmarket-based reforms, universal HSAs, protect Medicare for seniors | SupportsSupports ACA expansion and lowering healthcare costs. |
| Abortion and social issues | Supportspro-life, supports state-level abortion restrictions | SupportsSupports abortion access and reproductive rights protections. |
| Democracy and elections | Supportschallenger with minimal campaign resources and name recognition | SupportsAdvocates for institutional integrity and transparency in governance. |
| Immigration and border | Supportssecure borders, wall completion, withhold aid from sanctuary cities | SupportsSupports comprehensive reform and humane border policies. |
| Foreign policy and defense | Supportspeace through strength, robust stance against China | SupportsSupports multilateralism and traditional democratic alliances. |
Electoral history
| Cycle | Race | Dem | Rep | Margin | Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | President | 52.0% | 46.1% | D+5.9 | 64.7% |
| 2024 | House | Not enough evidence | |||
| 2025 | Governor | 51.0% | 49.0% | D+2.0 | — |
| 2022 | House | Not enough evidence | |||
| 2020 | President | 57.3% | 41.4% | D+15.9 | 72.3% |