2026 Election Results: A Changing Political Landscape for Organized Dentistry

Nov 4, 2026

What do the results of the 2026 midterm elections mean for New Jersey Dentists? This article explains the significant changes to congressional representation and the new opportunities and challenges for organized dentistry.

The 2026 midterm elections have reshaped the political landscape in New Jersey and across the nation, bringing significant changes to congressional representation and creating new opportunities and challenges for organized dentistry.

Democrats captured control of both chambers of Congress, while New Jersey saw two significant congressional upsets: the defeats of Republican incumbents Rep. Jeff Van Drew (CD-2) and Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (CD-7). These outcomes are particularly noteworthy for the dental profession, given both lawmakers' connections to health care policy and organized dentistry's federal advocacy efforts.

New Jersey's Congressional Delegation Shifts

New Jersey voters reelected U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D) and most of the state's incumbent congressional representatives. However, two Republican-held districts flipped to Democrats.

In the 2nd Congressional District, Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock (D) defeated four-term incumbent Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R). In the 7th Congressional District, Rebecca Bennett (D), a former Navy helicopter pilot and health care executive, defeated Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R).

The victories leave New Jersey with an 11-member Democratic delegation and one Republican, Rep. Chris Smith (CD-4), in the incoming House of Representatives.

Elsewhere, Rep. Analilia Mejia (D) secured a full term representing the 11th Congressional District after winning a special election earlier this year. In the 12th District, Dr. Adam Hamawy (D), a physician and former Army combat surgeon, won the open seat following the retirement of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.

What the Defeat of Rep. Jeff Van Drew Means for Dentistry

Perhaps the most consequential New Jersey election result for organized dentistry is the defeat of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, DMD.

A former practicing dentist with approximately 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Van Drew has been a prominent voice for the profession in Congress. His understanding of the challenges facing dental practices and patients has provided organized dentistry with a direct connection to the federal legislative process.

Most recently, in March 2026, Dr. Van Drew joined Democratic Rep. Herb Conaway Jr. in introducing the Improving Dental Administration Act (H.R. 7931). The bipartisan legislation seeks to address a longstanding concern for organized dentistry by allowing state dental insurance reforms and patient protections to apply to self-funded dental plans regulated under ERISA.

This issue is particularly important in New Jersey, where insurance reform remains a significant advocacy priority. The legislation would help address situations in which self-funded dental plans claim exemptions from state laws governing dental benefits.

Dr. Van Drew's departure from Congress at the end of his term means organized dentistry will lose an established advocate with firsthand experience as a practicing dentist. It also underscores the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for dental legislation.

Importantly, Rep. Herb Conaway, a physician and co-sponsor of the legislation, won reelection and will remain an important congressional contact as organized dentistry works to advance these reforms.

The Defeat of Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

The defeat of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in the 7th Congressional District represents another significant change in New Jersey's federal political relationships.

Kean served on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health, which has jurisdiction over major federal health care policy matters.

For organized dentistry, his departure represents the loss of an established relationship with a member positioned to influence health care legislation.

His successor, Rebecca Bennett, brings a professional background in health care technology. Her election presents an opportunity to introduce the priorities of organized dentistry to a new member of Congress and establish a productive relationship early in her tenure.

National Results and Federal Dental Advocacy

Nationally, Democrats secured majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate, establishing a new balance of power in Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.

The incoming Congress will determine leadership positions, committee assignments and legislative priorities that could directly affect the dental profession.

For the American Dental Association and organized dentistry nationwide, several issues will continue to require attention:

Dental insurance reform: Advancing transparency, accountability and fair insurance practices, including addressing ERISA-related barriers to state protections.

Medicaid and access to care: Protecting and improving dental coverage, reimbursement and access to services for underserved populations.

Dental workforce: Addressing workforce shortages, education, recruitment and policies affecting dental practice.

Practice sustainability: Monitoring federal tax, regulatory and administrative policies affecting dental practices and small businesses.

While a change in congressional control may alter the legislative pathways for these issues, success will continue to depend on building relationships with lawmakers from both political parties.

Looking Ahead: New Jersey's 2027 Legislative Elections

The impact of Tuesday's election was not limited to Washington.

Democrats also recorded notable victories in county and municipal contests, including in traditionally Republican areas. In Monmouth County, Democratic candidates won two county commissioner seats and the county surrogate election, ending a lengthy period without Democratic countywide victories.

These results may signal changes in voter engagement and political competitiveness heading into 2027.

Next year, all 40 New Jersey Senate seats and all 80 General Assembly seats will be on the ballot.

For the NJ Dental PAC, the upcoming legislative elections are especially important. Many of the issues that directly affect dental practices are decided in Trenton, including dental insurance reform, workforce legislation, professional licensure, Medicaid policy and access to oral health care.

Legislative efforts involving dental loss ratio transparency, joint negotiations and the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will continue to require strong relationships with elected officials and legislative leadership.

The 2027 elections will offer organized dentistry an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, engage new candidates and reinforce the importance of oral health policy in New Jersey.

Why PAC Engagement Matters

The 2026 election serves as an important reminder that political relationships and legislative opportunities can change quickly.

The loss of two established New Jersey congressional relationships, including a practicing dentist who served as a federal advocate for the profession, highlights why sustained political engagement matters.

The NJ Dental PAC's mission extends beyond any single election, candidate or political party. Its purpose is to help ensure that the dental profession has a meaningful voice in the political process and that elected officials understand the challenges facing dentists and their patients.

As we turn our attention to the incoming Congress and the 2027 state legislative elections, continued participation by members will be essential to advancing the profession's priorities.

Elections determine who holds office. Our advocacy determines whether the concerns of organized dentistry are heard.

Election results are based on reported outcomes as of the morning of November 5, 2026, and remain subject to official certification.

Additional information: New Jersey Election Results | American Dental Association Advocacy | Improving Dental Administration Act (H.R. 7931)