Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
12.4%
28%
16.2%
10.6%
5%
Democrat
Brian Varela
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in New Jersey
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
$25.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0.1%chance to win
$25.6KJUN 9, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleEntrepreneur
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundEntrepreneur
Show moreShow less
Notable personal detailsBrian Varela is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. He is an entrepreneur and business owner and has previously led the New Jersey Forward Party. He has also worked in politics, including as a press shop intern for then-Gov. Chris Christie in 2010, and describes himself as a first-generation American raised by Colombian immigrants in New Jersey.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govvarelaforcongress.comnewjerseyglobe.comwhyy.orgen.wikipedia.orgpatch.comeverything.explained.todayusresistnews.orgnj.govusa.govjewishinsider.comtheobserver.combluevoterguide.orgwashingtonpost.comreddit.comsussex.nj.uscontent.swingleft.orginsidernj.comdemocraticunderground.comarchive.phnrcc.orgscamadviser.comstephenvarelaforcolorado.compatriciacamposmedina.commeetup.comforwardparty.compolitico.comfacebook.comnews.ballotpedia.orgballotready.orghouse.govkean.house.govziplook.house.govdocquery.fec.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgstatic.votesmart.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
Supports making healthcare more affordable and accessible by lowering prescription drug prices, expanding access to rural healthcare, protecting reproductive rights, and supporting mental health and addiction treatment services. Emphasizes reducing out-of-pocket costs and increasing access rather than pursuing single-payer solutions.
Immigration & Border
Supports protecting immigrant communities from aggressive ICE operations, opposes expansion of ICE facilities in his district, and calls for rebuilding the immigration system to balance fairness, safety, and humanity. Has publicly criticized Department of Homeland Security leadership and advocated against policies he describes as terrorizing immigrant families.
Show moreShow less
Public Safety & Guns
Supports law enforcement and first responders while promoting "common-sense gun safety laws" to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and strengthen public safety and community policing.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Brian Varela is running in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, where he is one of the candidates trying to win the nomination to challenge Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. The race is being watched closely because the district is considered a toss-up and could help decide control of the House. Recent coverage has focused more on the broader contest and Kean’s prolonged medical absence than on Varela specifically, so his campaign is part of a highly competitive field.
fec.gov+35
Articles
NNJ.com3 months ago
These Democrats are fighting for a shot at beating Tom Kean Jr. in November
Neutral
NNewsweek3 months ago
Tom Kean Jr.’s Chances of Beating Democrats in New Jersey
Positive
NNJ.com4 months ago
Tom Kean Jr. has been missing from Congress for 2 months. Nobody will say why.
Neutral
WCWDIV ClickOnDetroit3 months ago
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey’s state primary
Neutral
Latest Polls
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Brian Varela currently averages 12.4%, ranking third in this race, 3.8 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 12.4%Position: thirdMargin: -3.8 ptsLatest poll: 15.0% (May 31 - Jun 1)Polls included: 5
Average recalculated from polls through May 31 - Jun 1.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$2.0M
$1.5M
$993.2K
$496.6K
$0
2022
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$632.7K
$1.4K
$631.3K
$35.1K
Cycle 2026
$2.0M
—
$2.0M
$111.0K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements