New Jersey election 2026: What to know about the 1st Congressional District race between Donald Norcross and Damon Galdo

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms. The number of representatives in each state is proportional to the state’s population. Legislators in the House introduce and vote on legislation, serve on committees, represent their districts and provide oversight to the executive branch, among other duties.

All 435 House seats across the country are up for election.

• Burlington County (part)
  • Maple Shade Twp.
  • Palmyra
• Camden County (all)
  • Audubon
  • Audubon Park
  • Barrington
  • Bellmawr
  • Berlin Borough
  • Berlin Twp.
  • Brooklawn
  • Camden
  • Cherry Hill
  • Chesilhurst
  • Clementon
  • Collingswood
  • Gloucester City
  • Gloucester Twp.
  • Gibbsboro
  • Haddon Heights
  • Haddon Twp.
  • Haddonfield
  • Hi-Nella
  • Laurel Springs
  • Lawnside
  • Lindenwold
  • Magnolia
  • Merchantville
  • Mt. Ephraim
  • Oaklyn
  • Pennsauken
  • Pine Hill
  • Runnemede
  • Somerdale
  • Stratford
  • Tavistock
  • Voorhees
  • Waterford
  • Winslow
  • Woodlynne
• Gloucester County (part)
  • Deptford Twp.
  • East Greenwich Twp. (part)
  • Glassboro
  • Mantua
  • Monroe Twp.
  • National Park
  • Paulsboro
  • Pitman
  • Washington Twp.
  • Wenonah
  • West Deptford Twp.
  • Westville
  • Woodbury Heights
  • Woodbury

Norcross said that his top priorities are the economy, labor and workforce issues, health care and protecting access to reproductive health care. He called the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade “disgraceful.” Norcross also lists national and community security as a priority.

During the 119th Congress, Norcross has introduced 21 bills to date, including one that would create incentives for companies that detect and recycle lithium-ion batteries, which have been faulted for several fires at a Camden scrapyard.

One Norcross bill has passed the U.S. House. It would establish mandatory deadlines for parties negotiating a collective bargaining agreement and provide for mediation and arbitration to finalize agreements. Twenty Republicans joined Democrats in sending the proposal to the U.S. Senate, which has not taken up the measure.

He missed more than two months of work this year due to a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis.

Norcross supports expanding union manufacturing and lowering costs for families, stating “a strong economy starts with American workers.” He said, in a statement, that he opposes “broad reckless tariffs that act as a tax on the working class and destabilize our supply chains.”

He describes America’s commitment to the safety and defense of Israel as “absolute,” adding “Israel has every right to defend its people.” At the same time, he describes the conflict in Gaza as a “civilian tragedy” that is “heartbreaking.”

“We must ensure robust humanitarian aid reaches innocent children and families under strict U.S. oversight to prevent it from ever benefitting terrorist,” Norcross said.

Norcross also opposes the war with Iran, adding that it did not have authorization from Congress.

“Entering another Middle Eastern war without a clear long-term strategy or exit plan risks an endless conflict and places our service members in danger,” said Norcross, a long-time member of the Armed Services Committee. “I am heavily scrutinizing the mounting Pentagon spending and questioning defense leadership to demand transparent and accurate accounting for this war of choice.”

• American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
• Communications Workers of America District 1
• Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
• Health Professionals and Allied Employees
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21
• League of Conservation Voters Action Fund
• National Education Association
• New Jersey AFL-CIO
• New Jersey Citizen Action Board
• New Jersey Education Association
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund
• Reproductive Freedom for All
• Sierra Club
• Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ

Galdo said his priorities are affordability, protecting working and middle-class families and “bringing accountability and representation back to South Jersey.”

“South Jersey deserves a representative who shows up, listens to constituents and is willing to answer difficult questions,” he said in a statement.

Galdo said he wants to lower the cost-of-living by reducing government spending, lower taxes for working families and pursue an energy policy that lowers utility and transportation costs. He also wants to protect policies that keep overtime wages and tips free from taxes.

The challenger also wants to strengthen the middle class by supporting manufacturing, skilled trades and small businesses, while supporting policies that create “good-paying” jobs that do not require a four-year college degree.

Galdo said the economy is his “number one issue.”  He said he would focus on increasing take-home pay and reducing the cost of living.

“People may hear that economic statistics are improving, but they still have to pay their grocery bill, electric bill, mortgage or rent, insurance and property taxes,” he said.

He believes that America’s foreign policy must put the country’s interests first as well as look out for the safety of military service members.

Galdo also said he supports Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.

“I support efforts to prevent Iran and terrorist organizations from threatening Israel, the United States or our allies,” he said. “At the same time, I believe civilian lives matter and that lasting peace and stability should remain the objective.”

Galdo supports military action in Iran, but he is against putting American troops on the ground in the conflict. He prefers the use of “economic pressure, sanctions, diplomatic leverage and, where necessary, measures such as a blockade to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to protect American interests.”

“My standard is straightforward: protect America, support our allies, prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, but do not unnecessarily send America’s sons and daughters into another endless war,” he said.

• Burlington County GOP
• Camden County GOP
• Gloucester County GOP