Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
12.4%
28%
16.2%
10.6%
5%
Democrat
Brian Varela
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
$25.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleEntrepreneur
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundEntrepreneur
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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.commshale.comyoutube.compolitico.comfacebook.cominstagram.comballotready.orghouse.govfitzpatrick.house.govkean.house.govziplook.house.govpallone.house.govdocquery.fec.govgovinfo.govvotesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.org
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.
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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.
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+39
Articles
NNJ.com2 months ago
These Democrats are fighting for a shot at beating Tom Kean Jr. in November
Neutral
NNewsweek2 months ago
Tom Kean Jr.’s Chances of Beating Democrats in New Jersey
Positive
NNJ.com2 months ago
Tom Kean Jr. has been missing from Congress for 2 months. Nobody will say why.
Neutral
WCWDIV ClickOnDetroit2 months ago
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey’s state primary
Neutral
Polls
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Brian Varela for NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Forward Party
Public figure
The Forward Party endorsed Brian Varela for U.S. House in NJ-07.
Make the Road Action
Public endorsement
Make the Road Action endorsed Brian Varela for Congress in CD-7.
Warren County Democratic Committee
Political organization
The Warren County Democratic Committee endorsed Brian Varela for Congress in NJ-7.
Hunterdon County Democratic leaders and elected officials
Public endorsement
A group of Hunterdon County Democratic leaders and elected officials endorsed Brian Varela for NJ-07.
Local NJ-7 Democratic elected officials and party leaders
Labor organization
A group of local NJ-7 Democratic elected officials and party leaders endorsed Brian Varela for the 7th congressional district.
Ras Baraka
Public figure
Ras Baraka endorsed Brian Varela for Congress in New Jersey's 7th district.
Steve Sweeney
Public figure
Steve Sweeney endorsed Brian Varela for Congress in New Jersey's 7th district.
Six NJ-07 Assembly nominees and two former county chairs
Public endorsement
Six NJ-07 Assembly nominees and two former county chairs endorsed Brian Varela.
Patricia Campos-Medina
Public endorsement
Patricia Campos-Medina endorsed Brian Varela for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 7th congressional district.
Flemington local Democratic officials
Labor organization
Local Democratic officials in Flemington endorsed Brian Varela for New Jersey's 7th congressional district.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$2.0M
$1.5M
$980.7K
$490.3K
$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
$358.5K
$1.6M
$94.3K
Source: FEC