SUMMIT – Greg Vartan, a former councilman in this Union County town, wants to go to Congress.
Vartan is the second Democrat to announce a run against Republican Thomas H. Kean Jr in CD-7.
In a message to Dems, Vartan boldly says:
“I’m running for Congress to win one of the most flippable seats in the nation and defeat extremist Tom Kean Jr.”
Whether CD-7, which ranges over at least parts of Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties, is truly flippable is a matter of debate.
Democrat Tom Malinowski won the district in 2018, ousting Leonard Lance, and won reelection over Kean in 2020.
But redistricting made the district more Republican.
Kean beat Malinowski in 2022 and last fall, he defeated Sue Altman by about 23,000 votes, which was a bit more than the GOP’s registration advantage.
Both Malinowski and Altman had enthusiastic grassroots support, but the Republicans’ numerical advantage was too much to overcome.
All elections, of course, are different. The Dems remember – quite happily – that they did very well in the 2018 midterms during Donald Trump’s first stay in the White House. That gives them hope for next year.
In an early appeal for support, Vartan says Kean will “rubber stamp” everything Trump wants and that he is running to:
“Defend our district from the people who want to strip us of our basic rights …”
Also in the race is Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, who announced her intentions last week.
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Vartan Gharpetian, a well-known community leader and business owner, has officially entered the race for California’s 7th Congressional District as a candidate. Gharpetian, who currently serves on the Glendale City Council, is running as a Democrat in the upcoming primary election.
Gharpetian’s decision to run for Congress comes after much deliberation and encouragement from his supporters. He believes that his experience in local government and his commitment to serving the community make him a strong candidate for the position.
In a statement announcing his candidacy, Gharpetian highlighted his priorities for the district, which include improving healthcare access, supporting small businesses, and addressing climate change. He also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and working across party lines to find solutions to the challenges facing the district.
Gharpetian’s entry into the race has already garnered support from a wide range of community leaders and organizations. His track record of leadership and dedication to public service have earned him a strong reputation among voters in the district.
As the primary election approaches, Gharpetian will be focusing on reaching out to voters and sharing his vision for the district. He is committed to running a positive and issue-focused campaign that puts the needs of the community first.
Overall, Vartan Gharpetian’s candidacy brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the race for California’s 7th Congressional District. His commitment to serving the community and his track record of leadership make him a strong contender in the upcoming election. Voters in the district will have the opportunity to learn more about Gharpetian’s platform and vision for the future in the coming months.
