1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey

none February 2026 September 2023 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey New Jersey legislative no 62%https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/other/2022-1925-general-election-data.pdf General Election Data - 1924 to 2022 NJ.gov ( 18pp) 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey 1976 All 15 New Jersey seats to the United States House of Representatives 1974 11 05 Democratic Party (United States) 8 12 4 1,240,933 59.6% 10.5pp Republican Party (United States) 7 3 4 794,698 38.1% 11.9pp 320px County results Democratic #b9d7ff 40–50% #86b6f2 50–60% #4389e3 60–70% #1666cb 70–80% Republican #e27f90 50–60% #CC2F4A 60–70% The 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey were held on 1974 11 05, to determine who would represent the people of New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives. This election coincided with national elections for U.S. House and U.S. Senate. New Jersey had fifteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 1970 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms. The 1974 elections were held amid the national Watergate scandal and resulted in major gains for the Democratic Party. In New Jersey, the Democrats won four seats held by Republican incumbents and retained all of their existing seats. The only open race in the state was in the 5th district, where Republican incumbent Peter Frelinghuysen Jr. retired. He was succeeded by Millicent Fenwick, who won an extremely close Republican primary over Thomas Kean. Overview 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New JerseyGuthrie Benjamin J. April 15, 1977 STATISTICS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, 1974 https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1974election.pdf May 1, 2026 Office of the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives 2930PartyVotesPercentageCandidatesSeats+/–Democratic1,240,93359.56%15124Republican794,69838.14%1534Socialist Labor5,1220.25%40Communist1,8990.09%10Independents40,9051.96%150Totals2,083,557100.00%4915 District 1 New Jersey's 1st congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 1st congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 1 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 1 1976 1974 11 05 x145px James Florio 1983 (3x4 cropped).jpg James Florio Democratic Party (United States) 80,768 57.5% File:John E. Hunt 93rd Congress 1973.jpg John E. Hunt Republican Party (United States) 54,069 38.5% U.S. Representative John E. Hunt Republican Party (United States) James Florio Democratic Party (United States) The district included Gloucester County and parts of Camden County. Republican incumbent John E. Hunt ran for a fifth term in office, but he was defeated by Democratic assemblyman James Florio. Republican primary Candidates John E. Hunt, incumbent representative since 1967 Campaign Hunt formally announced his campaign late in April, only after receiving the endorsement of the Camden County Republican organization. He had received the Gloucester County organization endorsement much earlier.Times Donald Janson Special to The New York 1974-04-23 HUNT IS SEEKING 5TH TERM IN HOUSE https://www.nytimes.com/1974/04/23/archives/hunt-is-seeking-5th-term-in-house-special-to-the-new-york-times.html 2026-05-08 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 The Republican organizations in the two counties had been fractured by the 1973 gubernatorial campaign, in which Charles W. Sandman Jr. defeated incumbent William T. Cahill, a Camden County native, for the Republican nomination. As the nominee, Sandman replaced many Cahill supporters with his own supporters, bitterly dividing local Republicans.Times Donald Janson Special to The New York 1974-10-03 Florio Aims His Drive for Camden Congress Seat, 102 Years in G.O.P. Grip https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/03/archives/florio-aims-his-drive-for-camden-congress-seat-102-years-in-gop.html 2026-05-08 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Republican primaryMembers of the House of Representatives https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1974-primary-election.pdf April 30, 2026 New Jersey Department of State Republican Party (US) John E. Hunt (incumbent) 9,317 100.00%9,317 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates James Florio, assemblyman from Camden and nominee for this district in 1972 Walter C. Gebelein Jr. Judith L. Holzer Campaign Florio won the Camden County Democratic organization endorsement, which was considered tantamount to nomination, in April. Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) James Florio 15,671 82.94% Democratic Party (US) Walter C. Gebelein Jr. 2,127 11.26% Democratic Party (US) Judith L. Holzer 1,097 5.81% 18,895 100.00% General election Candidates Raymond Carotenuto, Turnersville resident (An Independent American) Elizabeth L. Drevs, Haddonfield freelance writer and candidate for this district in 1972Narvaez Alfonso A. 1974-08-19 Jersey Field of 57 Is Seeking 15 Seats In U.S. House Races https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/19/archives/jersey-field-of-57-is-seeking-15-seats-in-us-house-races-jersey.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Independent) James Florio, assemblyman from Camden and nominee for this district in 1972 (Democratic) John E. Hunt, incumbent representative since 1967 (Republican) Bradley S. Kirsch, Bellmawr resident (Independents Against Apathy) Julius Levin (Socialist Labor) James Perry, mayor of Somerdale (Independent Tax Watchdog) Pedro J. Torres (Independent) Withdrew Emilio Andujar (Labor) Campaign In a rematch of the 1972 campaign, Hunt faced Florio. The incumbent launched his campaign in April at a Cherry Hill fundraiser headlined by Strom Thurmond and was immediately challenged to a debate by Florio. Hunt agreed, and over the course of the campaign agreed to two more television debates, but declined any "joint appearances" with Florio which excluded the six minor candidates. At the start of the campaign, Florio declared to The New York Times that Hunt, considered by many New Jersey's most conservative congressman, was "one of the country's foremost apologists for Nixon, even on Watergate." Hunt denied that the Watergate scandal would be an issue in the campaign and claimed that Democratic victories in four out of five special elections in safe Republican districts only indicated that "Republicans don't come out to vote in special elections." However, Camden County Republican chair Henry R. Leiner said that Watergate would "make a difference," and the campaign would focus on distancing Hunt from the scandal. Nixon was not invited to campaign for Hunt. Florio campaigned around the clock throughout the summer, in a noted contrast to Hunt's low-key campaign. Hunt continued to defend Nixon until August, when the president admitted to withholding evidence from the Watergate investigators and resigned from office, which Florio conceded undercut his own campaign message. After Nixon's resignation, both candidates focused on economic issues. In addition to ongoing price inflation, the district faced unemployment rates well above national and state averages. Florio was endorsed by most labor unions, including the state AFL-CIO and the New Jersey Education Association, while Hunt was endorsed by the National Association of Businessmen. Late in the campaign, Florio was hampered by a corruption scandal among his own supporters when Camden mayor Angelo Errichetti, the head of the Democratic organization in the city, appeared in court on criminal charges for perjury and conspiracy to evade contract bidding laws. In an apparent signal that his campaign was struggling, Hunt was offered a role at the Pentagon as assistant secretary of the Army, but he declined. Results Florio was the first Democratic candidate to win the Camden County district in 102 years. As of 2026, no Democratic nominee has lost it since.1974 U.S. House electionhttps://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1974-general-election.pdf Members of the House of Representatives April 15, 2025 New Jersey Department of State Democratic Party (US) James Florio 80,768 57.50% Republican Party (United States) John E. Hunt (incumbent) 54,069 38.49% Independent politician James Perry 3,276 2.33% Independent politician Bradley S. Kirsch 805 0.57% Independent politician Elizabeth L. Drevs 713 0.51% Independent politician Raymond Carotenuto 389 0.28% Socialist Labor Party (US) Julius Levin 301 0.21% Independent politician Pedro Torres 147 0.10% 140,468 100.00% Democratic Party (US) Republican Party (US) District 2 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 2 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 2 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Bill Hughes.jpg William J. Hughes Democratic Party (United States) 109,763 57.3% File:Charles W. Sandman.jpg Charles W. Sandman Jr. Republican Party (United States) 79,064 41.3% U.S. Representative Charles W. Sandman Jr. Republican Party (United States) William J. Hughes Democratic Party (United States) This district, the largest in South Jersey, included all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties and parts of Burlington and Ocean counties. Republican incumbent Charles W. Sandman Jr., who had been the Republican nominee for governor in 1973, ran for re-election to a fifth term in office, but he was defeated by Democratic nominee William J. Hughes. Background In the 1973 gubernatorial election, Charles W. Sandman Jr. defeated incumbent governor William T. Cahill in the Republican primary. Sandman's victory was a surprising upset and considered a rebuke of the liberalism and corruption of the Cahill administration, but he lost the general election in a landslide to former Essex County prosecutor Brendan Byrne. Sandman's campaign was hampered by his long support for President Nixon and the early stages of the Watergate investigation. He lost every county in the state except his native Cape May and was considered vulnerable for re-election. Republican primary Candidates Charles W. Sandman Jr., incumbent representative since 1967 and nominee for governor in 1973 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Charles W. Sandman Jr. (inc.) 28,754 100.00% 28,754 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Wesley K. Bell, mayor of Stafford TownshipPolitickerNJ 2008-03-27 Wesley Bell dies at 70 https://observer.com/2008/03/wesley-bell-dies-at-70/ 2026-05-02 Observer en-US Frank Louis DeMarco Robert Dragotta William J. Hughes, Ocean City attorney, former assistant prosecutor, and nominee for this district in 1970 Michael J. Matthews, Atlantic County freeholder Charles L. Scarani, Cumberland County freeholderJanson Donald 1975-01-06 Millville Expects Mass Unemployment if Gas Is Cut to Glass Plants in Area https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/06/archives/millville-expects-mass-unemployment-if-gas-is-cut-to-glass-plants.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) William J. Hughes 12,347 54.97% Democratic Party (US) Michael J. Matthews 5,025 22.37% Democratic Party (US) Charles L. Scarani 2,455 10.93% Democratic Party (US) Frank Louis DeMarco 1,408 6.27% Democratic Party (US) Wesley K. Bell 892 3.97% Democratic Party (US) Robert Dragotta 335 1.49% 22,462 100.00% General election Candidates William J. Hughes, Ocean City attorney, former assistant prosecutor, and nominee for this district in 1970 (Democratic) Charles W. Sandman Jr., incumbent representative since 1975 and nominee for governor in 1973 (Republican) Andrew Wenger, builderTimes Ronald Sullivan Special to The New York 1974-10-29 Sandman's Aggressive Defense of Nixon Imperils His Chances of Re‐election https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/29/archives/sandmans-aggressive-defense-of-nixon-imperils-his-chances-of.html 2026-05-08 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Independent) Campaign Sandman's reputation as a Nixon supporter intensified when the House Judiciary Committee, on which he served, opened impeachment inquiries into Nixon. Throughout the hearings, which ran on television through the summer, Sandman offered the most vitriolic and aggressive defense of Nixon of any committee member. Sandman became famous to national television audiences for his daily efforts to frame the impeachment inquiry as a partisan attack. Sandman's strong and vociferous support for Nixon made him one of the nation's leading targets for backlash to the Watergate scandal, and the race was seen as a referendum on public reaction to it. Sandman did not shy away from his reputation for combative conservatism and support for Nixon, running highway billboard advertisements throughout the district portraying himself in front of microphones during the House Judiciary Committee's impeachment inquiry with the caption, "When he speaks, the nation listens ...". Despite Sandman's Hughes criticized both the substance and manner of Sandman's position on impeachment, arguing that the incumbent's "posture" had "showed the nation of what he is really like. Instead of the civility of the other Republicans on the committee, Sandman chose instead to grandstand, to be partisan, to be deceitful." He referred to Sandman as "a carnival barker... who couldn't possibly see right from wrong, even when it was staring him in the face." Although Hughes had nearly defeated him in 1970, Sandman embraced Hughes's frame of the election as a referendum on his own behavior and personality, saying, "There'll be no votes for Hughes. All the votes will be either for or against me." Hughes was also critical of heavy defense spending, corporate special interests, the congressional system of seniority, and the federal tax structure, which he said favored the rich. Results Hughes won easily. Following his defeat, Sandman claimed, "This was just not a Republican year."Times Alfonso A. Narvaez Special to The New York 1974-11-07 Not a Republican Year,’ Sandman Says https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/07/archives/not-a-republican-year-sandman-says-actions-defended-campaigning.html 2026-05-08 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) William J. Hughes 109,763 57.31% Republican Party (United States) Charles W. Sandman Jr. (inc.) 79,064 41.28% Independent politician Andrew Wenger 2,693 1.41% 191,520 100.00% Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) District 3 1974 New Jersey's 3rd congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 3 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 3 1976 1974 11 05 x145px James J. Howard.jpg James J. Howard Democratic Party (United States) 105,979 68.9% 3x4.svg Kenneth W. Clark Republican Party (United States) 45,932 29.8% U.S. Representative James J. Howard Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard Democratic Party (United States)New Jersey's 3rd congressional district This district included parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties. Democratic incumbent James J. Howard was re-elected to a sixth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates James J. Howard, incumbent representative since 1965 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard (incumbent) 11,480 100.00% 11,480 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Kenneth W. Clark, former mayor of Freehold TownshipTimes Joseph F. Sullivan Special to The New York 1974-10-29 Writ of Habeas Corpus Sought In New Effort to Free Sherwin https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/29/archives/writ-of-habeas-corpus-sought-in-new-effort-to-free-sherwin.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Campaign Republican leaders unsuccessfully tried to recruit several potential candidates before Clark, a pilot and the former mayor of Freehold Township, stepped forward. Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Kenneth W. Clark 8,339 100.00% 8,339 100.00% General election Candidates Kenneth W. Clark, former mayor of Freehold Township (Republican) James J. Howard, incumbent representative since 1965 (Democratic) Thomas W. Palven (Independent) Joseph A. Roger (Anti-Monopoly) Withdrew James Hasting Burmeister (Creativity-Science-Progress) Jerry Charles Burmeister (Integrity-Honesty-Representation) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard (incumbent) 105,979 68.86% Republican Party (US) Kenneth W. Clark 45,932 29.84% Independent politician Joseph A. Rogers 1,177 0.76% Independent politician thomas W. Palven 818 0.53%153,906 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 4 New Jersey's 4th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 4th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 4 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 4 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Frank Thompson.jpg Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) 82,195 66.8% 3x4.svg Henry J. Keller Republican Party (United States) 40,797 33.2% U.S. Representative Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) This district, in Central Jersey, consisted of parts of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. Democratic incumbent Frank Thompson was re-elected to a tenth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates David Crabiel, mayor of Milltown Frank Thompson, incumbent representative since 1955 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Frank Thompson (incumbent) 11,317 65.12% Democratic Party (US) David Crabiel 6,063 34.88% 17,380 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Henry J. Keller, Hamilton Township teacherTimes Walter H. Waggoner Special to The New York 1974-10-31 Teacher Seeks to Unseat A Confident Thompson https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/31/archives/teacher-seeks-to-unseat-a-confident-thompson-outlying-area-streesed.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Henry J. Keller 4,546 100.00% 4,546 100.00% General election Candidates Henry J. Keller, Hamilton Township teacher (Republican) Frank Thompson, incumbent representative since 1955 (Democratic) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Frank Thompson (incumbent) 82,195 66.83% Republican Party (US) Henry J. Keller 40,797 33.17% 122,992 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 5 1974 New Jersey's 5th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 5 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 5 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Portrait of Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick (cropped).jpg Millicent Fenwick Republican Party (United States) 81,498 53.4% 3x4.svg Fred Bohen Democratic Party (United States) 66,380 43.5% U.S. Representative Peter Frelinghuysen Jr. Republican Party (United States) Millicent Fenwick Republican Party (United States)New Jersey's 5th congressional district This district included Somerset County and parts of Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Morris counties. Republican incumbent Peter Frelinghuysen Jr. did not seek re-election to a thirteenth term in office. In the open race to succeed him, Millicent Fenwick defeated Frederick M. Bohen. Fenwick narrowly won the Republican primary over Thomas Kean, the speaker of the General Assembly and future governor of New Jersey. Republican primary Candidates Millicent Fenwick, former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and assemblywoman from Bernardsville Charles E. Humiston, retired insurance executiveWaggoner Walter H. 1974-05-30 Old Republican Bastion Fearful of Voter Apathy https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/30/archives/old-republican-bastion-fearful-of-voter-apathy-the-prospects-byrne.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Thomas Kean, assemblyman from Livingston, former speaker of the General Assembly, and son of former Representative Robert Kean Declined Peter Frelinghuysen Jr., incumbent representative since 1953 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Millicent Fenwick 12,509 47.78% Republican Party (US) Thomas Kean 12,426 47.46% Republican Party (US) Charles E. Humiston 1,248 4.77% 26,183 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Frederick M. Bohen, television executive and nominee for this district in 1972 Gertrude Dubrovsky, Yiddish teacher at Princeton University Herbert Koransky, former director of the New Jersey Workmen's Compensation Commission and Somerset County public defender Paul J. Krebs, former Representative from Livingston John F. Lynch Jr., Morristown lawyer and U.S. Navy veteran Nina McCall, former president of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Frederick M. Bohen 8,002 48.94% Democratic Party (US) Paul J. Krebs 2,891 17.68% Democratic Party (US) John F. Lynch Jr. 2,346 14.35% Democratic Party (US) Nina McCall 1,830 11.19% Democratic Party (US) Herbert Koransky 735 4.50% Democratic Party (US) Gertrude Dubrovsky 545 3.33% 16,349 100.00% General election Candidates Frederick M. Bohen, television executive and nominee for this district in 1972 (Democratic) Millicent Fenwick, former director of the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs and assemblywoman from Bernardsville (Republican) John Giammarco (American Independent) Leonard F. Newton (New Leadership) Results 1974 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Millicent Fenwick 81,498 53.35% Democratic Party (US) Frederick M. Bohen 66,380 43.45% American Independent Party John Giammarco 3,102 2.03% Independent politician Leonard F. Newton 1,778 1.16% 152,758 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 6 New Jersey's 6th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 6th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 6 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 6 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Edwin B. Forsythe.png Edwin B. Forsythe Republican Party (United States) 81,190 52.5% 3x4.svg Charles B. Yates Democratic Party (United States) 70,353 45.5% U.S. Representative Edwin B. Forsythe Republican Party (United States) Edwin B. Forsythe Republican Party (United States) This district included parts of Burlington, Camden, and Ocean counties. Republican incumbent Edwin B. Forsythe was re-elected to a fourth term in office. Republican primary Candidates Edwin B. Forsythe, incumbent representative from Moorestown since 1970 Alexander Haak, Dover Township police commissioner2015-09-20 The adventures of Alex Haak The Jerusalem Post https://www.jpost.com/blogs/the-world-according-to/the-adventures-of-alex-haak-405267 2026-05-04 The Jerusalem Post JPost.com en1975-03-17 New Jersey Briefs https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/17/archives/new-jersey-pages-new-jersey-briefs-township-to-recycle-its-garbage.html 2026-05-04 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 10,904 89.83% Republican Party (US) Alexander Haak 1,234 10.17% 12,138 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Robert Wayne Bergman, Cherry Hill High School East guidance counselor Daniel J. Carluccio, Dover Township attorney and environmental activistMiller Patricia A. Staff Patch 2012-01-24 Champion Of Law And The Environment — Ex-Ocean County Prosecutor Daniel J. Carluccio Dies At 71 https://patch.com/new-jersey/berkeley-nj/dan-carluccio 2026-05-04 Berkeley, NJ Patch en Bernice Friedlander, Jackson Township resident Michael S. Keating, Camden County clerk1974-10-26 165,000 Letters Are Sent To Correct Guide to Voting https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/26/archives/165000-letters-are-sent-to-correct-guide-to-voting.html 2026-05-04 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Roy W. Myers, mayor of PalmyraMcHale Todd Former Palmyra mayor dies https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/2012/10/04/former-palmyra-mayor-dies/17366022007/ 2026-05-04 Burlington County Times en-US Charles B. Yates, assemblyman from Edgewater Park Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Charles B. Yates 5,772 30.43% Democratic Party (US) Michael S. Keating 4,105 21.64% Democratic Party (US) Daniel J. Carluccio 3,525 18.59% Democratic Party (US) Roy W. Myers 2,166 11.42% Democratic Party (US) Robert Wayne Bergman 1,949 10.28% Democratic Party (US) Bernice Friedlander 1,449 7.64% 18,966 100.00% General election Candidates Bernardo S. Doganiero, perennial candidate (Socialist Labor) Edwin B. Forsythe, incumbent representative from Moorestown since 1970 (Republican) John Valjean Mahalchik, political gadfly and perennial candidate (Regular Democracy) Joseph Alfons Nowak (Christian) Charles B. Yates, assemblyman from Edgewater Park (Democratic) Results 1974 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 81,190 52.48% Democratic Party (US) Charles B. Yates 70,353 45.47% Independent politician John V. Mahalchik 1,451 0.94% Socialist Labor Party (US) Bernardo S. Doganiero 1,135 0.73% Independent politician Joseph Alfons Nowak 583 0.38% 154,712 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 7 1974 New Jersey's 7th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 7 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 7 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Andrew Maguire.png Andrew Maguire Democratic Party (United States) 79,808 49.7% William B. Widnall.jpg William B. Widnall Republican Party (United States) 71,377 44.4% 3x4.svg Milton Gralla Independent politician 9,520 5.9% U.S. Representative William B. Widnall Republican Party (United States) Andrew Maguire Democratic Party (United States) This district included western parts of Bergen County. Republican incumbent William B. Widnall ran for re-election to a fourteenth term in office, but he was defeated by Democratic nominee Andrew Maguire. Republican primary Candidates Thomas D. Dimartino, Glen Rock resident Clarence R. Hammerness, Teaneck resident Richard A. Joel, attorney and member of the Oradell borough councilMay 2026 Martin E. Wendelken, Glen Rock businessman and independent candidate for this district in 1972Tithes Alfonso A. Narvaez Special to The Nee: York 1976-06-03 6‐Man U. S. Senate Race Gets Hotter as Primary Day Nears https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/03/archives/6man-us-senate-race-gets-hotter-as-primary-day-nears.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Times Fred Ferretti Special to The New York 1972-11-05 Candidates: The Key Issues in Southern Districts https://www.nytimes.com/1972/11/05/archives/candidates-the-key-issues-in-southern-districts-first-district.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 William B. Widnall, incumbent representative since 1950 Arthur Yeager, Westwood dentist and candidate for this district in 1966April 11, 1974 Brady, Yeager, Salimore: Three Eye Candidacy https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-local-review/35919314/ 2026-05-02 The Park Ridge Local Review 1 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) William B. Widnall (incumbent) 10,245 63.92% Republican Party (US) Martin E. Wendelken 2,389 14.91% Republican Party (US) Richard A. Joel 1,976 12.33% Republican Party (US) Arthur L. Yeager 629 3.92% Republican Party (US) Thomas D. Dimartino 600 3.74% Republican Party (US) Clarence R. Hammerness 189 1.18% 16,028 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Edward H. Hynes, assemblyman from MaywoodWildstein David 2022-11-23 Andy Maguire is New Jersey's only living 'Watergate Baby' https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/andy-maguire-is-new-jerseys-only-living-watergate-baby/ 2026-05-02 New Jersey Globe en-US Gill C. Job, Bergen County surrogate Andrew Maguire, Ford Foundation consultant, former advisor to the Department of State and U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and candidate for freeholder in 1972 Ned J. Parsekian, former state senator and director of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Marjorie A. Wyngaarden, founder of the northern New Jersey division of the National Organization for Women and former chair of the Bergen County ACLUGardner Sandra 1985-01-27 NEW JERSEYANS https://www.nytimes.com/1985/01/27/nyregion/new-jerseyans.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Andrew Maguire 11,274 51.74% Democratic Party (US) Ned J. Parsekian 5,488 25.18% Democratic Party (US) Gill C. Job 2,462 11.30% Democratic Party (US) Edward H. Hynes 2,009 9.22% Democratic Party (US) Marjorie A. Wyngaarden 558 2.56% 21,791 100.00% General election Candidates Milton Gralla, Teaneck publisher and philanthropistLipman Steve 2012-07-17 ‘Loved Helping Jews And Loved Journalism’ https://www.jta.org/2012/07/17/ny/loved-helping-jews-and-loved-journalism 2026-05-02 Jewish Telegraphic Agency en-US (Independent Citizens' Action) Andrew Maguire, Ford Foundation consultant, former advisor to the Department of State and U.S. delegation to the United Nations, and candidate for freeholder in 1972 (Democratic) William B. Widnall, incumbent representative since 1950 (Republican) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Andrew Maguire 79,808 49.66% Republican Party (US) William B. Widnall (incumbent) 71,377 44.41% Independent politician Milton Gralla 9,520 5.92% 160,705 100.00% Democratic Party (US) Republican Party (US) District 8 New Jersey's 8th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 8th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 8 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 8 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Robert A. Roe.jpg Robert A. Roe Democratic Party (United States) 83,724 73.9% 3x4.svg Herman Schmidt Republican Party (US) 27,839 24.6% U.S. Representative Robert A. Roe Democratic Party (United States) Robert A. Roe Democratic Party (United States) This district included parts of Bergen and Passaic counties. Democratic incumbent Robert Roe was re-elected to a fourth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Valerie Mazzeo Robert A. Roe, incumbent representative from Wayne since 1969 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 9,043 92.32% Democratic Party (US) Valerie Mazzeo 752 7.68% 9,795 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Herman Schmidt, Clifton resident Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Herman Schmidt 5,334 100.00% 5,334 100.00% General election Candidates Kenneth Kowalczyk (Socialist Labor) Robert A. Roe, incumbent representative from Wayne since 1969 (Democratic) Herman Schmidt, Clifton resident (Republican) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 83,724 73.87% Republican Party (United States) Herman Schmidt 27,839 24.57% Socialist Labor Party (US) Kenneth Kowalczyk 1,764 1.56% 113,327 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 9 New Jersey's 9th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 9th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 9 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 9 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Henry Helstoski.png Henry Helstoski Democratic Party (United States) 99,592 64.5% 3x4.svg Harold A. Pareti Republican Party (United States) 50,859 32.9% U.S. Representative Henry Helstoski Democratic Party (United States) Henry Helstoski Democratic Party (United States) This district consisted of parts of Bergen and Hudson counties. Democratic incumbent Henry Helstoski was re-elected to a sixth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Henry Helstoski, incumbent representative since 1965 and candidate for governor in 1969 Arthur E. Lavis, Park Ridge resident Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Henry Helstoski (incumbent) 21,985 91.52% Democratic Party (US) Arthur E. Lavis 2,037 8.48% 24,022 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Harold A. Pareti, former assemblyman and mayor of CarlstadtTimes Richard Phalon Special to The New York 1974-10-28 Two Ex‐Classmates in Heated Ninth District Race https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/28/archives/two-exclassmates-in-heated-ninth-district-race-grand-jury.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Friedman Matt 2007-10-01 Harold Pareti dies https://observer.com/2007/10/harold-pareti-dies/ 2026-05-02 Observer en-US Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Harold A. Pareti 6,956 100.00% 6,956 100.00% General election Candidates Robert W. Funsch (Independent) Henry Helstoski, incumbent representative since 1965 and candidate for governor in 1969 (Democratic) Harold A. Pareti, former assemblyman and mayor of Carlstadt (Republican) Herbert H. Shaw, perennial candidate (Politicians Are Crooks) Helstoski and Pareti were classmates at East Rutherford High School in the graduating class of 1940. Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Henry Helstoski (incumbent) 99,592 64.52% Republican Party (US) Harold A. Pareti 50,859 32.95% Independent politician Herbert H. Shaw 3,460 2.24% Independent politician Robert W. Funsch 451 0.29% 154,362 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 10 New Jersey's 10th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 10th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 10 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 10 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Peter Rodino 1974.jpg Peter W. Rodino Democratic Party (United States) 53,094 81.0% 3x4.svg John R. Taliaferro Republican Party (United States) 9,936 15.2% U.S. Representative Peter W. Rodino Democratic Party (United States) Peter W. Rodino Democratic Party (United States) The district included parts of Essex and Hudson counties. Democratic incumbent Peter W. Rodino was re-elected to a fourteenth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Michael Giordano Peter W. Rodino, incumbent representative since 1949 Results 1974 Democratic primaryDemocratic Party (US) Peter W. Rodino (incumbent) 19,121 89.14% Democratic Party (US) Michael Giordano 2,330 10.86%21,451 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John R. Taliaferro, candidate for General Assembly in 1973Times Joseph F. Sullivan Special to The New York 1974-11-02 Confident Rodino Campaigns for Others https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/02/archives/confident-rodino-campaigns-for-others-less-political-hoopla.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) John R. Taliaferro 2,169 100.00% 2,169 100.00% General election Candidates Sandra Hill, Black nationalist and supporter of Amiri Baraka (Independent) Peter W. Rodino, incumbent representative since 1949 (Democratic) John R. Taliaferro, candidate for General Assembly in 1973 (Republican) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Peter W. Rodino (incumbent) 53,094 81.01% Republican Party (United States) John R. Taliaferro 9,936 15.16% Independent politician Sandra Hill 2,508 3.83% 65,538 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 11 New Jersey's 11th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 11th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 11 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 11 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Joseph Minish (3x4 cropped).jpg Joseph Minish Democratic Party (United States) 98,957 69.2% 3x4.svg William B. Grant Republican Party (United States) 42,036 29.4% U.S. Representative Joseph Minish Democratic Party (United States) Joseph Minish Democratic Party (United States) This district consisted of parts of Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties. Democratic incumbent Joseph Minish was re-elected to a seventh term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Joseph Minish, incumbent representative from West Orange since 1963 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Joseph Minish (incumbent) 13,182 100.00% 13,182 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Richard B. Grant, former member of the Montclair township commissionWildstein David 2007-11-26 Minish won easily in potentially competitive district https://observer.com/2007/11/minish-won-easily-in-potentially-competitive-district/ 2026-05-02 Observer en-US Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Richard B. Grant 7,989 100.00% 7,989 100.00% General election Candidates Robert Clement (Socialist Labor) Richard B. Grant, former member of the Montclair township commission (Republican) Joseph Minish, incumbent representative from West Orange since 1963 (Democratic) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Joseph Minish (incumbent) 98,957 69.24% Republican Party (United States) Richard B. Grant 42,036 29.41% Socialist Labor Party (US) Robert Clement 1,922 1.34% 142,915 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 12 New Jersey's 12th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 12th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 12 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 12 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Matthew J. Rinaldo.jpg Matt Rinaldo Republican Party (United States) 92,829 65.0% 3x4.svg Adam K. Levin Democratic Party (United States) 46,246 32.4% U.S. Representative Matt Rinaldo Republican Party (United States) Matt Rinaldo Republican Party (United States) This district included parts of Union County. Republican incumbent Matthew J. Rinaldo was re-elected to a second term in office. Republican primary Candidates Matt Rinaldo, incumbent representative from Union since 1973 Lloyd J. Sherk Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 10,427 93.06%Republican Party (US) Lloyd J. Sherk 777 6.94% 11,204 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates A. Howard Freund, perennial candidate from Roselle Park Adam K. Levin, construction executive, University of Michigan Law School graduate and son of Philip J. Levin1982-10-30 Levin Making 2d Bid To Replace Rinaldo https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/30/us/levin-making-2d-bid-to-replace-rinaldo.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Times Alfonso A. Narvaez Special to The New York 1974-09-23 A Builder, 25, Challenges Rinaldo in 12th District https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/23/archives/a-builder-25-challenges-rinaldo-in-12th-district-levin-has-spent.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Adam K. Levin 10,614 82.43% Democratic Party (US) A. Howard Freund 2,262 17.57% 12,876 100.00% General election Candidates Anthony Carbone, maintenance worker (Independent) Catherine O'Toole French, former New York Herald Tribune copy editor (Integrity in Government) Adam K. Levin, construction executive, University of Michigan Law School graduate and son of Philip J. Levin (Democratic) Matt Rinaldo, incumbent representative from Union since 1973 (Republican) Robert A. Steiner, certified public accountant (Independent) Results 1974 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 92,829 64.99% Democratic Party (US) Adam K. Levin 46,246 32.38% Independent politician Anthony Carbone 1,569 1.10% Independent politician Catherine O'Toole French 1,182 0.83% Independent politician Robert A. Steiner 1,017 0.71% 142,843 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 13 New Jersey's 13th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 13th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 13 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 13 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Helen Meyner.jpg Helen Stevenson Meyner Democratic Party (United States) 86,043 57.3% Joseph J. Maraziti.jpg Joseph Maraziti Republican Party (United States) 64,166 42.7% U.S. Representative Joseph Maraziti Republican Party (United States) Helen Stevenson Meyner Democratic Party (United States) This sprawling district included Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties and parts of Mercer and Morris counties. Republican incumbent Joseph Maraziti ran for a second term in office but was defeated by Helen Stevenson Meyner, the former First Lady of New Jersey. Republican primary Candidates Joseph Maraziti, incumbent representative since 1973 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Joseph Maraziti (incumbent) 18,667 100.00% 18,667 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Helen Stevenson Meyner, former First Lady of New Jersey and nominee for this district in 1972 Joseph P. O'Doherty, disqualified candidate for this district in 19721974-05-23 Mrs. Meyner Is Charged With Conflict https://www.nytimes.com/1974/05/23/archives/mrs-meyner-is-charged-with-conflict-maraziti-is-unopposed.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Bernard Reiner, Fairleigh Dickinson University professor of government and politics Oscar W. Rittenhouse, former Hunterdon County prosecutor Declined Bill Bradley, New York Knicks basketball player Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Helen S. Meyner 8,259 47.35% Democratic Party (US) Joseph P. O'Doherty 4,458 25.56% Democratic Party (US) Oscar W. Rittenhouse 3,132 17.95% Democratic Party (US) Bernard Reiner 1,595 9.14% 17,444 100.00% General election Candidates Joseph Maraziti, incumbent representative since 1973 (Republican) Helen Stevenson Meyner, former First Lady of New Jersey and nominee for this district in 1972 (Democratic) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Helen S. Meyner 86,043 57.28% Republican Party (United States) Joseph Maraziti (incumbent) 64,166 42.72% 150,209 100.00% Democratic Party (US) Republican Party (US) District 14 New Jersey's 14th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 14th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 14 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 14 1976 1974 11 05 x145px Dominick V. Daniels in 1968.jpg Dominick V. Daniels Democratic Party (United States) 85,438 79.9% 3x4.svg Claire J. Sheridan Republican Party (United States) 17,231 16.1% U.S. Representative Dominick V. Daniels Democratic Party (United States) Dominick V. Daniels Democratic Party (United States) This district included parts of Hudson County. Incumbent representative Dominick V. Daniels was re-elected to a ninth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Thomas Caslander Dominick V. Daniels, incumbent representative since 1959 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Dominick V. Daniels (incumbent) 30,408 94.33% Democratic Party (US) Thomas Caslander 1,827 5.67% 32,235 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Franco Di Domenica Claire J. Sheridan, member of the Hudson County Charter Commission Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Claire J. Sheridan 2,350 73.88% Republican Party (US) Franco Di Domenica 831 26.12% 3,181 100.00% General election Candidates John A. Alston (Good Neighbor) Dominick V. Daniels, incumbent representative since 1959 (Democratic) Claire J. Sheridan, member of the Hudson County Charter Commission (Republican) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Dominick V. Daniels (incumbent) 85,438 79.90% Republican Party (US) Claire J. Sheridan 17,231 16.11% Independent politician John A. Alston 4,266 3.99% 106,935 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 15 New Jersey's 6th congressional district 1974 New Jersey's 15th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1972 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 15 1972 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 15 1976 1974 11 05 x145px File:Edward J. Patten.jpg Edward J. Patten Democratic Party (United States) 92,593 71.0% 3x4.svg Ernest J. Hammesfahr Republican Party (United States) 35,875 27.5% U.S. Representative Edward J. Patten Democratic Party (United States) Edward J. Patten Democratic Party (United States) This district included parts of Middlesex and Union counties. Democratic incumbent Edward J. Patten was re-elected to a seventh term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Edward J. Patten, incumbent representative since 1963 Results 1974 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Edward J. Patten (incumbent) 16,698 100.00% 16,698 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Ernest J. Hammesfahr, electrical engineerTimes Walter H. Waggoner Special to The New York 1974-10-24 Republican in Perth Amboy Area Wages Uphill Fight https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/24/archives/republican-in-perth-amboy-area-wages-uphill-fight-communist-in-race.html 2026-05-02 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1974 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Ernest J. Hammesfahr 3,148 100.00% 3,148 100.00% General election Candidates Ernest J. Hammesfahr, electrical engineer (Republican) Edward J. Patten, incumbent representative since 1963 (Democratic) Paul M. Schiff, Rutgers University doctoral candidate (Communist) Results 1974 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Edward J. Patten 92,593 71.02% Republican Party (US) Ernest J. Hammesfahr 35,875 27.52% Communist Party USA Bruce E. Todd 1,899 0.14% 130,367 100.00% Democratic Party (US) References 1974 New Jersey Category:1974 New Jersey elections