If you’re wondering who is senator of nj right now, you might have missed a pretty chaotic couple of years in Garden State politics. Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. For the longest time, the names were static, but as of January 2026, the lineup looks different than it did even a short while ago.
New Jersey is currently represented by two Democrats in the U.S. Senate: Cory Booker and Andy Kim.
While Booker has been a fixture since 2013, Andy Kim is a much newer addition to the upper chamber. He officially took over after a high-stakes election cycle that saw the dramatic fall of long-time Senator Bob Menendez. If you’re trying to keep track of who’s doing what in D.C. for Jersey, these are the two names you’ve gotta know.
Senator Cory Booker: The Senior Statesman
Cory Booker is the senior senator from New Jersey. He’s been in the seat since winning a special election in 2013 to succeed Frank Lautenberg. Most people remember him as the former mayor of Newark—the guy who was famously active on Twitter and once literally saved a neighbor from a burning house.
In the Senate, Booker has carved out a niche for himself focusing on criminal justice reform and food policy. He’s a member of the powerful Judiciary Committee, which means he’s right in the thick of it when it comes to Supreme Court nominations and federal court appointments.
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But here’s the thing: Booker is actually up for re-election this year. The 2026 primary is coming up fast in June, and the general election is set for November 3, 2026. He’s already filed his paperwork, and despite some primary challengers like Chris Fields, most political insiders see him as the heavy favorite to keep his seat. He’s sitting on a massive campaign chest—upwards of $21 million according to recent FEC filings—which makes him a formidable incumbent.
Senator Andy Kim: The History-Maker
Then there’s Andy Kim, the junior senator. His path to the Senate was anything but typical.
Basically, the seat opened up because Bob Menendez ended up in a massive federal corruption scandal. While Menendez was still fighting his legal battles, Andy Kim—who was a Congressman from South Jersey at the time—decided to jump into the race. He didn't just run; he fundamentally changed how Jersey politics works by successfully challenging the "county line" system in court, which used to give party-backed candidates a huge advantage on the ballot.
Kim won the 2024 general election against Republican Curtis Bashaw and was sworn in on December 9, 2024. This was a big deal for a few reasons:
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- He is the first Korean-American senator in U.S. history.
- He is the first Asian-American to represent New Jersey in the Senate.
- He is the first person from South Jersey to hold a Senate seat since the 1950s.
Because he won the seat in 2024, Kim has a full six-year term ahead of him. He won’t be up for election again until 2030. Right now, he’s focused on things like national security (he’s a former Rhodes Scholar and Obama-era advisor) and lowering costs for families, which was a huge part of his campaign message.
How the Roles Differ
It’s easy to get them mixed up, but they handle different "classes" of Senate seats.
The U.S. Senate is divided into three classes so that not everyone is up for election at the same time. Booker holds a Class II seat. These are the ones being contested in 2026. Kim holds a Class I seat, which was just settled in 2024.
Even though they belong to the same party, they bring different vibes to the job. Booker is the orator—passionate, high-energy, and very visible on the national stage. Kim is often described as more of a "policy wonk"—methodical, calm, and famously known for helping clean up the Capitol floors himself after the January 6th riot.
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Quick Snapshot: NJ Senators as of January 2026
Senator Cory Booker (Senior Senator)
- Party: Democrat
- Assumed Office: October 31, 2013
- Next Election: November 3, 2026
- Key Committees: Judiciary, Foreign Relations, Agriculture
Senator Andy Kim (Junior Senator)
- Party: Democrat
- Assumed Office: December 9, 2024
- Next Election: 2030
- Key Committees: Commerce, Armed Services
Why This Matters for You
Knowing who represents you isn't just for trivia night. These two guys have a massive say in federal spending that comes back to Jersey—think Gateway Tunnel funding, beach replenishment, and infrastructure grants.
If you have an issue with a federal agency, like the IRS or the VA, their offices are the ones you call for "constituent services." They can basically "cut the red tape" for you when you're stuck in a bureaucratic nightmare.
With the 2026 election cycle heating up, expect to see a lot of Cory Booker on your TV and social media feeds. The GOP is still looking for a strong challenger, with names like state senator Mike Testa being tossed around, though the state's Democratic tilt makes it a tough climb for any Republican.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to engage with your senators or stay updated on what they’re doing for New Jersey, here is what you can do:
- Check your voter registration: Since the primary for Booker's seat is in June 2026, make sure you're registered by the May deadline. You can do this at the New Jersey Division of Elections website.
- Contact their offices: If you need help with a federal issue, visit booker.senate.gov or kim.senate.gov. They both have offices in Newark and Camden to assist residents.
- Track their votes: Use a tool like Congress.gov to see how they are voting on specific bills that affect your taxes, healthcare, or local environment.
- Attend a town hall: Both senators are known for holding public forums. Following them on social media is the easiest way to find out when they’ll be in your county.