N.J. voters to decide party nominees in 3 open congressional races

The polls are open till 8 p.m. in New Jersey. Today is a primary election, a time when the two major political parties nominate their candidates to run in the November General election. Third parties often hold their own primaries on a different date.

Today voters New Jersey will determine candidates in one Senate race and 12 congressional races. On the county level voters may see candidates for county and local offices. 

     ***Find your polling place***

The U.S. Senate race features four Republicans who have never before been elected to public office. They are Jeff Bell, Brian Goldberg, Richard Pezzullo, and Murray Sabrin. The winner will be an underdog against incumbent Democrat Cory Booker.

Probably the most interesting House races are the three open seats for Congress. Currently the Democrats control six seats and the Republicans control the remaining six. 

Congressional District 1 

Democratic Congressman Rob Andrews resigned from office on Feb 18, 2014. Since that time his Congressional staff continues to provide constituent services under the supervision of the Clerk of the House. At this time, the 1st District has no congressional representation. This is prime blue territory: More than 40 percent of residents are registered as Democrats, while only 14 percent are Republicans. The district covers parts of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties. Some of the towns: Camden, Cherry Hill, Mapleshade, Glassboro and West Deptford.  (map)

Democrats

Donald NorcrossFrank Broomell Jr.Frank Minor

Republicans

Garry CobbClaire GustafsonLee LucasGerard McManus

Full coverage: Charges of blackmail and racism fly in race for Congressman Rob Andrews’ old seat

Congressional District 3

Republican Congressman Jon Runyan announced in November 2013 that he would not seek re-election. Although slightly more District 3 voters are registered as Democrats than as Republicans — 26.9 percent vs. 25 percent — the unaffiliated voters in this district tend to swing right. The district encompasses large areas of Burlington and Ocean counties stretching from the Pennsylvania border to the Jersey shore. Some of the towns: Mt. Laurel, Meford, Brick, Seaside Heights and Toms River. (map)

Democrats

Aimee BelgardHoward KleinhendlerBruce Todd

Republicans

Steve LoneganTom MacArthur

Full coverage: Republican slugfest underway in the race to replace N.J. Rep. Jon Runyan

 

Congressional District 12

Democratic Congressman Rush Holt announced in February that he would not seek another term. It is widely believed the primary winner will represent the district because the 12th leans heavily blue: 37 percent of the district voters are registered Democrats while only 14.2 percent Republicans. The district covers a large swath of central New Jersey including sections of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Some of the towns: Princeton, Trenton, Plainsboro, Bound Brook and Plainsfield. (map)

Democrats

Upendra ChivukulaBonnie Watson-ColemanLinda GreensteinAndrew Zwicker

Republican

Alieta Eck

Full coverage: Four N.J. Dems vying in 12th Congressional District depend on significant primary turnout

Primary elections are also being held in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota.

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Some of the information above comes from NJSpotlight, a content partner with NewsWorks. Full election coverage can be found at NJSpotlight.