2026 News

Rebecca visits Fanwood businesses

Rebecca with Fanwood Eye Care owner Dr. Kathy Shin

Dr. Shin gives the mayor and Rebecca a tour

Fanwood Pharmacy owner Mitul Patel greets Rebecca and Mayor Mahr

Posing at the Bagel Cafe with Council members Erin McElroy Barker, Trisha Walsh and Council candidate Mike Lowenthal

Rebecca meets Panini Bistro owner Sal LoGrande

Dodging raindrops on south Martine Avenue

CD-7 Candidate Rebecca Bennett visits our fundraiser

Fanwood Democratic chair Colleen Mahr, CD-7 candidate Rebecca Bennett and committee member Pat Plante — Photos by Tom Kranz

Rebecca Bennett, one of the candidates in the June 2nd, 2026, New Jersey Democratic primary, paid a visit to the Committee fundraiser on March 5th at Darby Road in Scotch Plains. Rebecca, pictured here with Committee chair Colleen Mahr and member Pat Plante, is a former Navy helicopter pilot currently balancing work in the private sector with raising two young children. She is one of six candidates seeking the nomination in hopes of turning the 7th congressional district back to Democrat by defeating Tom Kean, Jr. More pictures below.

Committee meets Democrats who hope to unseat Tom Kean, Jr.

The race for the 7th Congressional District promises to be one of the most-watched in the nation this year. Democrats have Republican Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. in their sights, hoping a Blue wave will flip the seat. Most of those running in the June Democratic primary introduced themselves at candidate forums held at the Union County Democratic Committee headquarters in Clark in February. Candidates Tina Shah, Mike Roth, Rebecca Bennett, Megan O'Rourke, and Brian Varela accepted invitations to appear at the forums sponsored by the Fanwood, Summit, and Westfield Democratic organizations. Candidate Beth Adubato did not participate. All spoke to the most pressing issues facing our district and our country in 2026, including the horrors of alleged immigration enforcement by ICE, the economy, healthcare, and the non-stop lies and destruction of American institutions at the hands of the Trump administration. All of the candidates addressed Congressman Kean's avoidance of public speaking, townhalls, news conferences, and his silence after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, among other outrageous events at the hands of the most corrupt president in history.

Dr. Tina Shah chats with members Tanisha McGriff and Tom Plante

Councilwomen Berry & Mitchell Sworn In for 2026

Councilwomen Gina Berry and Kathy Mitchell were sworn in during the Fanwood reorganization meeting Monday, January 5, 2026. Gina begins her second term, Kathy her ninth. Family members held the bibles as Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Fanwood Borough Attorney Russ Huegel did the honors. Later, Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell swore Gina in to the office of Council President. Mayor Colleen Mahr presided over the meeting.