Polling Average
15%10%5%0%
5%
10%
8%
Democrat
Megan O'Rourke
Democrat
Megan O'Rourke
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
$25.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleClimate scientist
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationNew Jersey
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BackgroundClimate scientist
EducationStony Brook University (degree)
Notable personal detailsMegan O’Rourke is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She has worked in federal government roles focused on climate and agriculture, including at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). She has been described as a former USDA climate scientist and former USDA/USAID official. She has earned degrees from Stony Brook University, Iowa State University, and Cornell University.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govnewjerseyglobe.comsciencesocieties.orgwhyy.orgen.wikipedia.orgeverything.explained.todaycookpolitical.comaction.moveon.orgnrcc.orgen-academic.comsplit-ticket.orgthecandidate.comkean.house.govdocquery.fec.govnj.govco.burlington.nj.usmeganorourkeforcongress.comcornellsun.comwarrencountydems.cominsidernj.comourwhirl.comdiscussion.cprr.netnjtoday.newsfralinlifesci.vt.educlimateone.orgimdb.cominstagram.comballotpedia.orgfacebook.comvotesmart.orghouse.govgovinfo.govnga.orgchrissmith.house.govziplook.house.govballotready.orgnorcross.house.govvandrew.house.govdisclosures-clerk.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate emphasizes lowering costs for New Jersey families and protecting working-class supports but has not presented a detailed, comprehensive tax platform; publicly stated support for maintaining the state-and-local tax (SALT) deduction. Overall public materials show advocacy for workers and affordability but do not provide a clear pattern of specific tax-rate or revenue proposals.
Healthcare
The candidate emphasizes lowering health care costs for families, protecting Medicaid and other safety-net programs, and opposing efforts to reduce affordable coverage. Her campaign materials state she relied on Medicaid growing up and that she will fight to preserve affordable health care access for New Jersey families.
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Climate & Energy
Supports combating climate change through sustainable agriculture and federal climate science work and prioritizes investments to protect families and food security from climate impacts. Positions indicate acceptance of federal climate policy and science-based solutions rather than opposition to regulation or promotion of fossil-fuel expansion.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Megan O'Rourke is in the news because the race in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District is drawing attention ahead of the 2026 election. Recent coverage focuses on Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s prolonged medical absence, missed House votes, and the way that has made the seat look more competitive for Democrats. Kean has said he plans to run again and expects to return to work soon, but the district remains a key battleground.
fec.gov+38
Articles
WCWDIV ClickOnDetroit2 months ago
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New Jersey’s state primary
Neutral
NYNew York Magazine2 months ago
New Jersey’s Missing Congressman Is Back, Sort Of
Neutral
NNewsweek2 months ago
Tom Kean Jr.’s Chances of Beating Democrats in New Jersey
Positive
PPOLITICO2 months ago
New Jersey’s House primaries show rising influence of money over bosses
Neutral
Polls
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Megan O'Rourke for NJ-07 Democratic nominee?
Warren County Democratic Committee
Political organization
The Warren County Democratic Committee endorsed Megan O'Rourke in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.
Chris Neff
Labor organization
Chris Neff endorsed Megan O'Rourke along with other current and former local elected officials.
Nancy Stephens
Public figure
Nancy Stephens endorsed Megan O'Rourke as part of a set of environmental endorsements.
Tim Guinee
Public figure
Tim Guinee endorsed Megan O'Rourke as part of a set of environmental endorsements.
Ro Khanna
Public figure
Ro Khanna endorsed Megan O'Rourke in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District race.
Machinists union
Labor organization
The Machinists union endorsed Megan O'Rourke in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District race.
Rush Holt
Public figure
Rush Holt endorsed Megan O'Rourke in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District race.
American Federation of Government Employees
Political organization
The American Federation of Government Employees endorsed Megan O'Rourke in her NJ-7 campaign.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$570.8K
$428.1K
$285.4K
$142.7K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$570.8K
$0.00
$570.8K
$31.7K
Source: FEC