1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey

none February 2026 September 2023 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey New Jersey legislative no 81%https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/other/2022-1925-general-election-data.pdf General Election Data - 1924 to 2022 NJ.gov ( 19pp) 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey 1978 All 15 New Jersey seats to the United States House of Representatives 1976 11 02 Democratic Party (United States) 12 11 1 1,538,658 54.7% 4.9pp Republican Party (United States) 3 4 1 1,217,932 43.3% 5.2pp 320px County results Democratic #86b6f2 50–60% #4389e3 60–70% Republican #f2b3be 40–50% #e27f90 50–60% #CC2F4A 60–70% The 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey were held on November 2, 1976, to determine who would represent the people of New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives. This election coincided with national elections for president of the United States, 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. Despite major Republican efforts on winning back the four seats they lost to the Democratic Party in the 1974 elections,Sullivan Ronald November 2, 1976 Freshmen House Members Favored to Win Again https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/11/02/75643928.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times 63 en 0362-4331 they unseated only one incumbent, Henry Helstoski, who had first been elected in 1964 but was facing a federal indictment for bribery. Freshman Democratic incumbents Jim Florio, Bill Hughes, Andrew Maguire, and Helen Stevenson Meyner were all re-elected. In the 14th district, Democratic incumbent Dominick V. Daniels retired and was succeeded by Democratic state Assemblyman Joseph A. LeFante, who defeated an unexpectedly strong challenge on the basis of his support for the new state income tax. Overview 1976 United States House of Representatives elections in New JerseyGuthrie Benjamin J. April 15, 1977 STATISTICS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2, 1976 https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1976election.pdf April 30, 2026 Office of the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives 2930PartyVotesPercentageCandidatesSeats+/–Democratic1,538,65854.74%15111Republican1,217,93243.33%1541Libertarian11,5220.41%100US Labor2,6070.27%60American1,7960.06%20Socialist Workers3300.01%10Independents37,9481.35%160Totals2,810,793100.00%6515 Background 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey 1976 United States Senate election in New Jersey In the 1974 House elections, four Republican incumbents were unseated by their Democratic opponents, giving the Democratic Party a 123 majority in the New Jersey delegation. Their losses were attributed to the nationwide Watergate scandal involving the incumbent Republican administration of President Richard Nixon. Republicans hoped to gain back all four seats. Thomas Kean, the former assembly speaker and state chair for Gerald Ford's presidential campaign, publicly declared, "If we don't defeat the Democratic incumbents at this time, the record shows that they will be nearly impossible to defeat later on." While the 1st district, which had elected Jim Florio, was considered a swing seat, the other four districts, the 2nd, 7th, and particularly the 13th, were considered Republican districts. The Democratic incumbents ran on the back of Senator Harrison A. Williams, who was up for re-election to a fourth term and had regained popularity for his work as chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Welfare, where he had authored successful legislation to increase the national minimum wage, provide mass transportation subsidies, and protect employee pensions. He was expected to win his race by a wide margin. County line In 1975, a new state law restored the right of county party organizations to endorse candidates in primary elections. This practice, known as the "county line," had been abolished during the governorship of Woodrow Wilson as a way to curb the influence of party bosses. District 1 New Jersey's 1st congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 1st congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 1 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 1 1978 1976 11 02 x145px James Florio 1983 (3x4 cropped).jpg James Florio Democratic Party (United States) 136,624 70.1% 3x4.svg Joseph McCullough Republican Party (United States) 56,363 28.9% U.S. Representative James Florio Democratic Party (United States) James Florio Democratic Party (United States) Incumbent Democrat James Florio won. The district included Gloucester County and parts of Camden County. Democratic primary Candidates James Florio, incumbent representative since 1975 Results 1976 Democratic primaryMembers of the House of Representatives https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1976-primary-election.pdf April 30, 2026 New Jersey Department of State Democratic Party (US) James Florio (incumbent) 32,525 100.00% 32,525 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph I. McCullough Jr., mayor of Haddon HeightsJanson Donald October 22, 1976 McCullough Vies With Hard-Driving Florio for House Seat https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/10/22/86374070.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times 48 en 0362-4331 Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Joseph I. McCullough Jr. 13,513 100.00%13,513 100.00% General election Candidates Robert Bowen (Labor) James Florio, incumbent representative since 1975 (Republican) Joseph I. McCullough Jr., mayor of Haddon Heights (Republican) Thomas C. Sloan (New Majority) Vernon A. Smith (Libertarian) Campaign Despite the fact that the district had voted for Richard Nixon by a margin of over 60,000 in 1972, Jim Florio was considered the heavy favorite for re-election to a second term in office. The district had a growing popular of Italian Americans, including Florio himself, and was dominated by manufacturing and industrial labor in Camden and its surroundings. Haddon Heights mayor Joseph McCullough, ran an aggressive and ambitious door-to-door campaign, knocking on 30,000 doors from April through October and wearing out seven pairs of shoes. He publicly speculated that "to win rather substantially in a traditionally Republican district... might project somebody onto the state scene." However, Florio remained extremely popular within the district and began his re-election campaign almost as soon as he won the seat in 1974, establishing district offices in both Camden and Gloucester counties and focusing on constituent services to raise his profile. During his first term, he obtained a $75 million Veterans Administration grant for a Camden hospital and passing legislation to qualify farmers for disaster relief loans following flooding. He had the uniform support of organized labor, including the New Jersey Education Association. McCullough admitted in October than his only endorsement was from the National Alliance of Senior Citizens, which Florio challenged as an "phony, letterhead organization" masquerading as the National Council of Senior Citizens. Despite polling suggesting that Florio had an easy lead, he ran a full-time campaign in October, with scheduled appearances throughout the district from sunrise to midnight. The candidates participated in multiple debates, at which McCullough challenged Florio for accepting campaign contributions from special interests. While Florio admitted to accepting permitted donations from labor unions and businesses, he also pointed to his vote in favor of public financing for campaigns and said he would do so again if re-elected. Results 1976 U.S. House electionhttps://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1976-general-election.pdf Members of the House of Representatives April 15, 2025 New Jersey Department of State Democratic Party (US) James Florio (incumbent) 136,624 70.10% Republican Party (United States) Joseph I. McCullough Jr. 56,363 28.92% Libertarian Party (United States) Vernon A. Smith 800 0.41% Independent politician Thomas C. Sloan 784 0.40% U.S. Labor Party Robert Bowen 671 0.34% 194,898 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 2 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 2 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 2 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Bill Hughes.jpg William J. Hughes Democratic Party (United States) 141,753 61.7% 3x4.svg James R. Hurley Republican Party (United States) 87,915 38.3% U.S. Representative William J. Hughes Democratic Party (United States) William J. Hughes Democratic Party (United States) Incumbent William J. Hughes won. This district, the largest in South Jersey, included all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties, and parts of Burlington and Ocean counties. Democratic primary Candidates Solveig I. Henschen, Bayville residentWaldron Martin June 9, 1976 Helstoski Is Apparent Victor in Jersey https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/09/archives/helstoski-is-apparent-victor-in-jersey.html April 30, 2026 The New York Times 21 en-US 0362-4331 William J. Hughes, incumbent representative since 1975 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) William J. Hughes (incumbent) 23,230 89.51% Democratic Party (US) Solveig I. Henschen 2,723 10.49% 25,953 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Robert F. Dufala, nursery school owner and member of the John Birch SocietyNovember 12, 1977 Man Gets Suspended Sentence In Death Threat to Rockefeller https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1977/11/12/92280193.html April 30, 2026 The New York Times 14 en-US 0362-4331 James R. Hurley, assemblyman from Millville Campaign Dufala had the support of local Republican organizations. Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) James R. Hurley 32,948 86.24% Republican Party (US) Robert F. Dufala 5,255 13.76% 38,203 100.00% Aftermath After the primary, Dufala was arrested and indicted for conspiring to assassinate Vice President Nelson Rockefeller with a cyanide bullet. His attorneys claimed he was entrapped by an undercover Secret Service agent and had participated out of fear for his life, because the agent claimed to be a veteran political assassin in Vietnam and brandished a weapon.1977-03-02 JERSEY DEFENDANT CALLED NO ASSASSIN https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/02/archives/jersey-defendant-called-no-assassin-lawyer-says-dufala-was-caught.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 After his first trial ended in a hung jury, Dufala made a surprise guilty plea at his second trial. In November 1977, Judge Stanley Brotman gave him a suspended sentence of probation and court-mandated psychiatry. General election Candidates William J. Hughes, incumbent representative since 1975 (Democratic) James R. Hurley, assemblyman from Millville (Republican) Campaign Hughes sought to become the first Democratic incumbent to be re-elected from this district since the New Deal era. His opponent, James R. Hurley, had not lost an election in his decade-long political career, which began when he was elected a Cumberland County freeholder. Despite the district's fundamentally conservative lean, many of the district's voters were registered as independents. The region struggled with unemployment, particularly outside of tourist season.Janson Donald October 23, 1976 Despite Problems, Hughes Is Called Leader in House Race With Hurley https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/10/23/75641358.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times 63 en 0362-4331 Hughes, a former prosecutor, emphasized his support for the death penalty and opposition to government spending, including the use of public works as employment programs. His first term in Congress focused on supporting protections for Jersey Shore resort businesses against oil drilling and pollution, for which he was recognized by the Federation of Independent Businesses. Hurley challenged Hughes as an unproductive legislator. Although the incumbent was the only Democratic candidate in the state without an endorsement from the AFL-CIO, the union also declined to support Hurley, and many union locals sided with Hughes. Hurley emphasized his opposition in the General Assembly to the new state income tax and his support for the legalization of casino gambling in Atlantic City. Hughes countered that these were state rather than federal issues and pointed out that he had supported casino gambling in 1974, when Hurley was opposed. He accused Hurley of "flip-flopping" on gambling to run in a district that included Atlantic City. Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) William J. Hughes (incumbent) 141,753 61.72% Republican Party (United States) James R. Hurley 87,915 38.28% 229,668 100.00% Democratic Party (United States) District 3 1976 New Jersey's 3rd congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 3 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 3 1978 1976 11 02 x145px James J. Howard.jpg James J. Howard Democratic Party (United States) 127,164 62.1% 3x4.svg Ralph A. Siciliano Republican Party (United States) 75,934 37.1% U.S. Representative James J. Howard Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard Democratic Party (United States)New Jersey's 3rd congressional district Incumbent Democrat James J. Howard won. This district included parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties. Democratic primary Candidates James J. Howard, incumbent representative since 1965 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard (incumbent) 21,664 100.00% 21,664 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph L. Heimbold Jr., Monmouth Beach sales executiveGansberg Martin 1985-05-12 NEW JERSEY JOURNAL https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/12/nyregion/new-jersey-journal-222891.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Ralph A. Siciliano, member of the Middletown township committeeSullivan Ronald 1976-09-20 Democrats Expected to Maintain Control of Congressional Delegation https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/20/archives/new-jersey-pages-democrats-expected-to-maintain-control-of.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Campaign Heimbold ran as a conservative. Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Ralph A. Siciliano 18,691 77.25% Republican Party (US) Joseph L. Heimbold Jr. 5,504 22.75% 24,195 100.00% General election Candidates James J. Howard, incumbent representative since 1965 (Democratic) Ralph A. Siciliano, member of the Middletown township committee (Republican) Walter M. Swirsky, sales consultant and executive secretary of the New Jersey Libertarian PartyMarch 1976 McAdam Kathleen Introducing Our State Committee Members https://njlp.org/news/newsletters/128-february-1976-nj-libertarian/file April 30, 2026 NJ Libertarian 2 (Libertarian) Campaign Siciliano ran an uphill campaign against Howard, who had won re-election several times despite the district's strong Republican lean in most other elections. In an effort to break Howard's hold on the district, Siciliano focused his effort on the approximately 30,000 newly registered voters in the district.Sullivan Joseph F. October 16, 1976 Howard's Opponent in 3d District Is Focusing Drive on New Voters https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/10/16/284664922.html 2026-04-30 The New York Times 55 en 0362-4331 Local issues played a role in the campaign, particularly problems with offshore pollution and oil drilling and a plan to move the Army electronics command from Fort Monmouth to the Washington, D.C. area. Although Siciliano attacked Howard for failing to prevent the earlier transfer of the Army Signal School out of the state, Eatontown mayor Joseph Frankel, who led a "Save the Fort" campaign, credited Howard with opposing the move effectively in Congress. Siciliano also cited the American Security Council, which had given Howard a rating of 0 on military spending. Howard claimed he had voted for all twenty-four defense and military spending bills during his term but had opposed legislation which would have expanded American involvement in the Vietnam War and Cambodia. He also noted that in response to the loss of the Signal School, he had secured the relocation of the Army Procurement Office from Philadelphia, resulting in a net loss of only about 100 jobs. Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) James J. Howard (incumbent) 127,164 62.11% Republican Party (US) Ralph A. Siciliano 75,934 37.09% Libertarian Party (United States) Walter M. Swirsky 1,641 0.80%204,739 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 4 New Jersey's 4th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 4th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 4 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 4 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Frank Thompson.jpg Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) 113,281 66.3% 3x4.svg Joseph S. Indyk Republican Party (United States) 54,789 32.1% U.S. Representative Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) Frank Thompson Democratic Party (United States) Incumbent Democrat Frank Thompson won. This district, in Central Jersey, consisted of parts of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. Democratic primary Candidates Frank Thompson, incumbent representative since 1955 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Frank Thompson (incumbent) 30,522 100.00% 30,522 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Joseph S. Indyk, farmer and former mayor of Monroe TownshipWildstein David 2023-08-25 Peter Garibaldi, former senator and mayor, dies at 92 https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/peter-garibaldi-former-senator-and-mayor-dies-at-92/ 2026-04-30 New Jersey Globe en-US Garibaldi sought to reboot his political career in 1975 as a candidate for mayor of Monroe Township after Republican Joseph Indyk decided not to seek re-election. Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Joseph S. Indyk 10,271 100.00% 10,271 100.00% General election Candidates Elliot Greenspan (Labor) Joseph S. Indyk, farmer and former mayor of Monroe Township (Republican) John Val Jean Mahalchik, populist gadfly and perennial candidateFerretti Fred 1976-07-04 Revolution in a Teepee https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/04/archives/new-jersey-weekly-revolution-in-a-teepee-revolution-in-a-tent.html 2026-04-16 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 (Regular Democracy) Jack Moyers (Libertarian) Frank Thompson, incumbent representative since 1955 (Democratic) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Frank Thompson (incumbent) 113,281 66.30% Republican Party (US) Joseph S. Indyk 54,789 32.07% Independent politician John V. Mahalchik 1,431 0.84% Libertarian Party (US) Jack Moyers 946 0.55% U.S. Labor Party Elliot Greenspan 421 0.25% 170,868 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 5 1976 New Jersey's 5th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 5 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 5 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Portrait of Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick (cropped).jpg Millicent Fenwick Republican Party (United States) 137,803 72.6% 3x4.svg Frank R. Nero Democratic Party (United States) 64,598 27.4% U.S. Representative Millicent Fenwick Republican Party (United States) Millicent Fenwick Republican Party (United States)New Jersey's 5th congressional district Incumbent Millicent Fenwick won. This district included Somerset County and parts of Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Morris counties. Republican primary Candidates Millicent Fenwick, incumbent representative since 1975 Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Millicent Fenwick (incumbent) 34,123 100.00% 34,123 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Frank R. Nero, Somerset County freeholder and former member of the North Plainfield borough councilWildstein David 2021-07-21 Somerset Education Association back Robinson, Sooy for re-election https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/somerset-education-association-back-robinson-sooy-for-re-election/ 2026-04-30 New Jersey Globe en-US Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Frank R. Nero 18,389 100.00% 18,389 100.00% General election Candidates Millicent Fenwick, incumbent representative since 1975 (Republican) John Giammarco, candidate for this district in 1974Narvaez Alfonso A. August 19, 1974 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 April 30, 2026 The New York Times 53 en-US 0362-4331 (Pro-Life) Frank R. Nero, Somerset County freeholder and former member of the North Plainfield borough council (Democratic) Jane T. Rehmke, laboratory technician and treasurer of the New Jersey Libertarian Party (Libertarian) Joseph R. Viola Jr. (Restoration) Results 1976 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Millicent Fenwick (incumbent) 137,803 66.86% Democratic Party (US) Frank R. Nero 64,598 31.34% Libertarian Party (US) Jane T. Rehmke 1,723 0.84% Independent politician John Giammarco 1,483 0.72% Independent politician Joseph R. Viola Jr. 499 0.24% 206,106 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 6 New Jersey's 6th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 6th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 6 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 6 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Edwin B. Forsythe.png Edwin B. Forsythe Republican Party (United States) 125,920 58.8% 3x4.svg Catherine A. Costa Democratic Party (United States) 85,053 39.7% 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 won. Republican primary Candidates Edwin B. Forsythe, incumbent representative from Moorestown since 1970 Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 21,462 100.00% 21,462 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Catherine A. Costa, Burlington County freeholder Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Catherine A. Costa 21,630 100.00% 21,630 100.00% General election Candidates Richard D. Amber (American) Samuel E. Brown, former government employee and vice chair of the New Jersey Libertarian Party (Libertarian) Joseph J. Byrne (Independent) Catherine A. Costa, Burlington County freeholder (Democratic) Edwin B. Forsythe, incumbent representative from Moorestown since 1970 (Republican) Marc David Silverstein (Individual Needs Center) Results 1976 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 125,920 58.76% Democratic Party (US) Catherine A. Costa 85,053 39.69% American Party (1969) Richard D. Amber 1,154 0.54% Libertarian Party (United States) Samuel E. Brown 1,016 0.47% Independent politician Joseph J. Byrne 933 0.44% Independent politician Marc David Silverstein 228 0.11% 214,304 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 7 1976 New Jersey's 7th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 7 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 7 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Andrew Maguire.png Andrew Maguire Democratic Party (United States) 120,526 56.5% 3x4.svg James J. Sheehan Republican Party (United States) 92,624 43.5% U.S. Representative Andrew Maguire Democratic Party (United States) Andrew Maguire Democratic Party (United States) This district included western parts of Bergen County. Democratic incumbent Andrew Maguire was re-elected to a second term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Andrew Maguire, incumbent representative since 1975 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Andrew Maguire (incumbent) 26,234 100.00% 26,234 100.00% Republican primary Candidates James A. Quaremba, Ridgewood attorney and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1970Sullivan Ronald February 8, 1976 POLITICS https://www.nytimes.com/1976/02/08/archives/new-jersey-weekly-politics-old-friends-and-new-foes.html April 30, 2026 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 James J. Sheehan, member of the Wyckoff township committee and former mayorWildstein David 2023-09-26 How a former First Lady of New Jersey got to Congress https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/how-a-former-first-lady-of-new-jersey-got-to-congress/ 2026-04-17 New Jersey Globe en-USSullivan Ronald May 9, 1976 Bergen's Ailing G.O.P. Looks to the Future https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/05/09/issue.html April 30, 2026 The New York Times 33334 en 0362-4331 Gerald L. Williams, Mahwah businessman Campaign James Quaremba, a corporate attorney for J. C. Penney and a graduate of Princeton, was the early favorite for the nomination. Had he won, he would have faced Maguire, his close personal friend and Ridgewood High School classmate, in the general election. His main challenger was former Wyckoff Mayor James J. Sheehan. Gerald Williams, a former member of the John Birch Society, was given little chance of winning. Sheehan was considered the more conservative of the two main candidates. Quaremba argued that as a moderate, he had a better chance of winning the general election.Sullivan Ronald May 25, 1976 Bitter Congressional Primary Divides Republicans in North Bergen County https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1976/05/25/issue.html April 30, 2026 The New York Times 76 en 0362-4331 The primary was part of a larger struggle over control of the ailing Bergen County Republican organization, which had been in decline since 1964. In that time, conservatives Barry Goldwater and Charles Sandman suffered two of the worst defeats in county history, and county chairmen Nelson G. Gross and Anthony J. Statile, who had returned the party to some degree of success, had each been indicted on separate criminal charges. Gross was convicted of perjury, while Statile's charges were dropped in March 1976. Statile backed Sheehan in the congressional primary over Quaremba, who had consistently criticized both Gross and Statile as leaders. At the party convention, Sheehan narrowly defeated Quaremba, 203200, for the party's endorsement and preferential ballot positioning.The 1976 Bergen County convention was one of the first in the state to award a county line via open vote of the full county committee.Bergen conventions around since 1976 Wildstein David March 23, 2020 April 30, 2026 https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/bergen-conventions-around-since-1976/ New Jersey Globe Organization chair Richard Vander Platt called on Quaremba to withdraw, arguing that a divisive primary would weaken the eventual nominee. In response, Quaremba accused Statile and his allies of "repressive tactics." Quaremba and Vander Platt both skipped a subsequent dinner celebrating Statile's return to politics, but political leaders from throughout the state attended, and President Gerald Ford sent a congratulatory telegram. The primary became increasingly bitter in April and May, after Statile announced that he would challenge Vander Platt for the chair of the county organization. Quaremba argued that the primary was a referendum on both Statile and the national presidential primary between Ford and former California governor Ronald Reagan. He also claimed that "shadowy characters with devious objectives" and anti-abortion activists were behind the Sheehan campaign. Sheehan declined to publicly take sides in either the county chair or presidential race, though he argued that Statile was not a political boss and shared many of Reagan's positions. Both candidates engaged in an aggressive door-to-door strategy in the final weeks of the campaign. Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) James J. Sheehan 14,603 48.43% Republican Party (US) James A. Quaremba 11,293 37.45% Republican Party (US) Gerald L. Williams 4,258 14.12% 30,154 100.00% General election Candidates Andrew Maguire, incumbent representative since 1975 (Democratic) James J. Sheehan, member of the Wyckoff township committee (Republican) Campaign Sheehan was badly damaged by the Republican primary against Quaremba, and Maguire was favored for re-election before primary votes had been cast. Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Andrew Maguire (incumbent) 120,526 56.55% Republican Party (US) James J. Sheehan 92,624 43.45% 213,150 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 8 New Jersey's 8th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 8th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 8 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 8 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Robert A. Roe.jpg Robert A. Roe Democratic Party (United States) 108,841 70.6% 3x4.svg Bessie Doty Republican Party (US) 44,775 29.0% 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 won. Democratic primary Candidates Frances Aires, Clifton tax revolt activist Robert A. Roe, incumbent representative from Wayne since 1969 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 15,149 87.82% Democratic Party (US) Frances Aires 2,101 12.18% 17,250 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Bessie Doty, member of the Wanaque borough council and former Passaic County freeholder Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Bessie Doty 10,711 100.00% 10,711 100.00% General election Candidates Gilbert G. Doll (Libertarian) Bessie Doty, member of the Wanaque borough council and former Passaic County freeholder (Republican) Robert A. Roe, incumbent representative from Wayne since 1969 (Democratic) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 108,841 70.59% Republican Party (United States) Bessie Doty 44,775 29.04% Libertarian Party (United States) Gilbert G. Doll 580 0.38% 154,196 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 9 New Jersey's 9th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 9th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 9 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 9 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Harold Hollenbeck-97th Congress (1981).jpeg Harold C. Hollenbeck Republican Party (United States) 107,454 53.1% Henry Helstoski.png Henry Helstoski Democratic Party (United States) 89,723 44.3% U.S. Representative Henry Helstoski Democratic Party (United States) Harold C. Hollenbeck Republican Party (United States) This district consisted of parts of Bergen and Hudson counties. Democratic incumbent Henry Helstoski ran for a sixth term in office, despite facing a federal indictment on charges of bribery. He narrowly won the Democratic primary over Assemblyman Byron Baer but lost the general election to Republican nominee Harold C. Hollenbeck. Background In 1975, Henry Helstoski became the target of a federal corruption investigation.Wildstein David 2018-04-29 Baer vs. Helstoski vs. Hollenbeck '76 https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/baer-vs-helstoski-vs-hollenbeck-76/ 2026-05-01 New Jersey Globe en-US Over the next two years, he was subject to multiple investigations by four grand juries into charges that he had extorted illegal immigrants in return for sponsoring private bills to allow them to remain in the United States. In April 1976, his brother was convicted of filing a false income tax return, and his chief of staff pleaded guilty on extortion charges. Democratic primary Candidates Byron Baer, assemblyman from EnglewoodSullivan Joseph F. 1978-03-05 POLITICS https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/05/archives/new-jersey-opinion-politics-bergenhudson-rivalry.html 2026-04-17 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Henry Helstoski, incumbent representative since 1965 and candidate for governor in 1969 Robert L. Mauro, Fairview resident Campaign Sensing Helstoski's vulnerability, assemblyman Byron Baer announced a challenge to the incumbent, whom he had previously supported. Baer declined to seek the Bergen County Democratic organization endorsement at the party convention; it was awarded to Helstoski. In Hudson County, where 35 percent of the district's Democratic voters lived, Baer was granted the organization endorsement by party chair Bernard Hartnett, a reformer allied with Jersey City Mayor Paul T. Jordan. On June 2, just days before the primary, a federal grand jury delivered a thirteen-count indictment against Helstoski. The indictment alleged that he had extorted illegal aliens from Chile and Argentina, obstructed the subsequent investigations "giving false and misleading testimony before the grand jury", and conspired to pressure other witnesses to lie. Baer spent the final days of the campaign hitting Helstoski hard and arguing that the shadow of criminal charges would make it difficult for him to be an effective legislator. Helstoski referred to the investigation as "politically inspired", and brought a civil suit against United States attorney Jonathan L. Goldstein, which was dismissed. Results and legal challenge Although initial results showed a narrow victory for Helstoski by 106 votes, the election was immediately thrown into question when Hudson County officials impounded two thousand absentee ballots. Hudson County elections supervisor Jerome Lazarus, an ally of Hartnett, sought to recount the ballots over possible questions about their validity and claims of election fraud. Absentee ballots in North Bergen and Union City, where local political machines backed Helstoski, were cast heavily for the incumbent by a margin of 1,64279. Baer challenged them as fraudulent, citing erasures and similarities in handwriting. On June 24, Superior Court judge Thomas O'Brien ordered a recount of voting machines in North Bergen, resulting in a net gain of 200 votes for Baer, closing the gap.1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Henry Helstoski (incumbent) 19,814 46.50% Democratic Party (US) Byron Baer 18,359 43.09% Democratic Party (US) Robert L. Mauro 4,435 10.45% 42,608 100.00% Second primary On August 11, judge John Marzulli ordered that a new primary should be held on September 21. Helstoski agreed. Despite his indictment, Helstoski campaigned aggressively in the second primary. In the final result, Helstoski nearly doubled his majority from the initial primary.Sullivan Ronald 1976-09-22 Helstoski Defeats Baer in Rerun Of Jersey Congressional Primary https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/22/archives/helstoski-defeats-baer-in-rerun-of-jersey-congressional-primary.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Sullivan Ronald 1976-09-22 Helstoski Is Victor Over Baer in Rerun Of Jersey Primary https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/22/archives/helstoski-is-victor-over-baer-in-rerun-of-jersey-primary.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Republican primary Candidates Harold C. Hollenbeck, former state senator from East Rutherford Withdrew Anne Armstrong, City University of New York political science professor (following Bergen County Republican convention) Ron Bogle, member of the Lyndhurst board of education (following Bergen County Republican convention) John Johl, former Haworth mayor (following Bergen County Republican convention) Campaign As in the 7th district, where James Quaremba ran against the party organization, Hollenbeck was a former antagonist of the Bergen County Republican organization under Nelson G. Gross and Anthony Statile. At the county convention, however, Hollenbeck won the organization endorsement and preferential ballot positioning over Lyndhurst school board member Ron Bogle, 7067. John Johl received 40 votes and Anne Armstrong received 27. Following the convention, the other candidates withdrew, and Hollenbeck was unopposed on the primary ballot. Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Harold C. Hollenbeck 14,109 100.00% 14,109 100.00% General election Candidates Henry Helstoski, incumbent representative since 1965 and candidate for governor in 1969 (Democratic) Harold C. Hollenbeck, former state senator from East Rutherford (Republican) Frank J. Primich (Libertarian) Herbert H. Shaw, perennial candidate (Politicians Are Crooks) James J. Terlizzi Sr. (Independent Taxpayer's Watchdog) Results 1976 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Harold C. Hollenbeck 107,454 53.10% Democratic Party (US) Henry Helstoski (incumbent) 89,723 44.34% Independent politician Herbert H. Shaw 1,814 0.90% Libertarian Party (US) Frank J. Primich 1,759 0.87% Independent politician James J. Terlizzi Sr. 1,594 0.79% 202,344 100.00% Republican Party (US) Democratic Party (US) Aftermath The Supreme Court of the United States later ruled that "legislative acts" could not be used as evidence against a criminal defendant, and Helstoski was never tried on bribery or extortion charges. He ran twice to regain his seat in 1978 and 1980. District 10 New Jersey's 10th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 10th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 10 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 10 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Peter Rodino 1974.jpg Peter W. Rodino Democratic Party (United States) 88,245 82.6% 3x4.svg Tony Grandison Republican Party (United States) 17,129 16.0% 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 won. Democratic primary Candidates Peter W. Rodino, incumbent representative since 1949 Results 1976 Democratic primaryDemocratic Party (US) Peter W. Rodino (incumbent) 30,681 100.00%30,681 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Tony Grandison, Newark Housing Authority supervisor Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Tony Grandison 3,236 100.00% 3,236 100.00% General election Candidates Tony Grandison, Newark Housing Authority supervisor (Republican) Charles Mack (Labor) Kathleen A. McAdam (Libertarian) Peter W. Rodino, incumbent representative since 1949 (Democratic) Lawrence Stewart (Socialist Workers) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Peter W. Rodino (incumbent) 88,245 82.65% Republican Party (United States) Tony Grandison 17,129 16.04% Libertarian Party (United States) Kathleen A. McAdam 862 0.81% Socialist Workers Party (United States) Lawrence Stewart 330 0.31% U.S. Labor Party Charles Mack 209 0.20% 106,775 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 11 New Jersey's 11th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 11th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 11 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 11 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Joseph Minish (3x4 cropped).jpg Joseph Minish Democratic Party (United States) 129,026 67.6% 3x4.svg Charles Poekel Republican Party (United States) 59,397 31.1% 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 won. Democratic primary Candidates Joseph Minish, incumbent representative from West Orange since 1963 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Joseph Minish (incumbent) 35,145 100.00% 35,145 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Charles A. Poekel Jr., Essex Fells lawyer Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Charles A. Poekel Jr. 12,163 100.00% 12,163 100.00% General election Candidates Warren T. Kupchik (Libertarian) Joseph Minish, incumbent representative from West Orange since 1963 (Democratic) Charles A. Poekel Jr., Essex Fells lawyer (Republican) Joseph A. Rogers (Jobs, Equality, Peace) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Joseph Minish (incumbent) 129,026 67.62% Republican Party (United States) Charles A. Poekel Jr. 59,397 31.13% Libertarian Party (United States) Warren T. Kupchik 1,749 0.92% Independent politician Joseph A. Rogers 636 0.33% 190,808 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 12 New Jersey's 12th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 12th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 12 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 12 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Matthew J. Rinaldo.jpg Matt Rinaldo Republican Party (United States) 136,973 73.1% 3x4.svg Richard A. Buggelli Democratic Party (United States) 49,189 26.3% 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 won. Republican primary Candidates Matt Rinaldo, incumbent representative from Union since 1973 Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 23,363 100.00% 23,363 100.00% Democratic primary Candidates Richard A. Buggelli, Union Township businessman1976-10-29 New Jersey Briefs https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/29/archives/new-jersey-briefs-candidate-ordered-to-pay-teachers-end-walkout.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 A. Howard Freund, perennial candidate from Roselle Park Campaign Buggelli was considered a maverick, having supported the campaign of Republican conservative Charles Sandman for governor in 1973. Freund ran on his opposition to the state income tax. Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Richard A. Buggelli 16,277 66.73% Democratic Party (US) A. Howard Freund 8,114 33.27% 24,391 100.00% General election Candidates Richard A. Buggelli, Union Township businessman (Democratic) Paul M. Geyer (American) Vincent Miskell (Labor) Matt Rinaldo, incumbent representative from Union since 1973 (Republican) Results 1976 U.S. House election Republican Party (US) Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 136,973 73.14% Democratic Party (US) Richard A. Buggelli 49,189 26.26% American Party (1969) Paul M. Geyer 642 0.34% U.S. Labor Party Vincent Miskell 478 0.26% 187,282 100.00% Republican Party (US) District 13 New Jersey's 13th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 13th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 13 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 13 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Helen Meyner.jpg Helen Stevenson Meyner Democratic Party (United States) 105,291 50.4% 3x4.svg Bill Schluter Republican Party (United States) 100,050 47.9% U.S. Representative Helen Stevenson Meyner Democratic 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. Democratic incumbent Helen Stevenson Meyner was re-elected to a second term in office over William E. Schluter. Democratic primary Candidates Edward J. Gaffney Helen Stevenson Meyner, incumbent representative since 1975 and former First Lady of New Jersey Ray Rollinson Campaign Meyner was opposed by two minor candidates. Edward J. Gaffney ran as an opponent of abortion. Rollinson, a political gadfly, also ran for president. Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Helen S. Meyner (incumbent) 21,784 80.89% Democratic Party (US) Edward J. Gaffney 3,605 13.39% Democratic Party (US) Ray Rollinson 1,541 5.72% 26,930 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Jay R. Rosner William E. Schluter, former state senator from Pennington Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) William E. Schluter 19,686 69.70% Republican Party (US) Jay R. Rosner 3,190 30.30% 28,244 100.00% General election Candidates F. Edward De Mott (Independent) Joseph Mayer (Consumer Action) Helen Stevenson Meyner, incumbent representative since 1975 and former First Lady of New Jersey (Democratic) William E. Schluter, former state senator from Pennington (Republican) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Helen S. Meyner (incumbent) 105,291 50.37% Republican Party (United States) William E. Schluter 100,050 47.86% Independent politician F. Edward De Mott 2,160 1.03% Independent politician Joseph Mayer 1,550 0.74% 209,051 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 14 New Jersey's 14th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 14th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 14 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 14 1978 1976 11 02 x145px Joseph A. LeFante.jpg Joseph A. LeFante Democratic Party (United States) 73,174 49.9% 3x4.svg Anthony Louis Campenni Republican Party (United States) 66,319 45.2% U.S. Representative Dominick V. Daniels Democratic Party (United States) Joseph A. LeFante Democratic Party (United States) This district included parts of Hudson County. Incumbent representative Dominick V. Daniels did not run for re-election to a tenth term in office. Democratic Assemblyman Joseph A. LeFante was elected to the open seat over Anthony Campenni. Democratic primary Candidates Joseph A. LeFante, assemblyman from Bayonne and speaker of the General Assembly Declined Dominick V. Daniels, incumbent representative since 1959 Campaign Daniels announced that he would not seek a tenth term in office one week before the deadline to file for the primary. The Hudson County Democratic organization endorsed Assembly Speaker Joseph A. LeFante to succeed him in a closed meeting of county leaders; the endorsement was considered tantamount to nomination.Times Joseph F. Sullivan Special to The New York 1976-04-24 Daniels Will Leave Congress; LeFante Picked as Successor https://www.nytimes.com/1976/04/24/archives/daniels-will-leave-congress-lefante-picked-as-successor-daniels.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Joseph A. LeFante 38,617 100.00% 38,617 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Anthony Louis Campenni, Bayonne car dealer Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Anthony Louis Campenni 3,722 100.00% 3,722 100.00% General election Candidates Edward W. Bergonzi (Workers) Stuart Bronn (Labor) Anthony Louis Campenni, Bayonne car dealer (Republican) David L. Jones Jr. (Bring Us Together) Joseph A. LeFante, incumbent representative since 1979 (Democratic) Kenneth C. McCarthy (Individual Americans Independence) Robert Ryley (Libertarian) Campaign Despite the overwhelming Democratic advantage in the district, Campenni ran an aggressive campaign criticizing LeFante for his legislative work to establish the first state income tax.1976-11-09 Recount Starts in LeFante‐Campenni Race for House https://www.nytimes.com/1976/11/09/archives/new-jersey-pages-recount-starts-in-lefantecampenni-race-for-house.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Sullivan Ronald 1976-10-31 POLITICS https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/31/archives/new-jersey-weekly-politics-campaign-76-the-positive-side.html 2026-05-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Results Initial results showed LeFante leading by a relatively slim margin of 6,855 votes. A recount was ordered, and Campenni challenged the validity of around four thousand absentee ballots. Despite his eventual defeat, Campenni's surprisingly strong performance in an otherwise Democratic district was expected to lead Republicans to emphasize the state income tax in the 1977 gubernatorial election.1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Joseph A. LeFante 73,174 49.86% Republican Party (US) Anthony Louis Campenni 66,319 45.19% Independent politician Kenneth C. McCarthy 3,979 2.71% Independent politician David L. Jones Jr. 1,969 1.34% U.S. Labor Party Stuart Bronn 452 0.31% Libertarian Party (US) Robert Ryley 446 0.30% Independent politician Edward W. Bergonzi 429 0.29% 146,768 100.00% Democratic Party (US) District 15 New Jersey's 6th congressional district 1976 New Jersey's 15th congressional district election New Jersey presidential no 1974 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 15 1974 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey#District 15 1978 1976 11 02 x145px File:Edward J. Patten.jpg Edward J. Patten Democratic Party (United States) 106,170 59.0% 3x4.svg Charles W. Wiley Republican Party (United States) 54,487 30.3% 3x4.svg Dennis F. Adams Sr. Independent politician 14,543 8.1% 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 an eighth term in office. Democratic primary Candidates Edward J. Patten, incumbent representative since 1963 Results 1976 Democratic primary Democratic Party (US) Edward J. Patten (incumbent) 32,657 100.00% 32,657 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Charles W. Wiley, freelance journalist1980-05-31 Lively Races Mark Approach of Primaries in Jersey; Effect of Shifts Feared Helstoski Seeks Return (Published 1980) https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/31/archives/lively-races-mark-approach-of-primaries-in-jersey-effect-of-shifts.html 2025-07-29 en Results 1976 Republican primary Republican Party (US) Charles W. Wiley 6,379 100.00% 6,379 100.00% General election Candidates Dennis F. Adams Sr. (Silent Majority) Michael Klein (People's Independent) Edward J. Patten, incumbent representative since 1963 (Democratic) Bruce E. Todd (Labor) Charles W. Wiley, freelance journalist (Republican) Results 1976 U.S. House election Democratic Party (US) Edward J. Patten 106,170 59.04% Republican Party (US) Charles W. Wiley 54,487 30.30% Independent politician Dennis F. Adams Sr. 14,543 8.09% Independent politician Michale Klein 3,916 2.18% U.S. Labor Party Bruce E. Todd 720 0.40% 179,836 100.00% Democratic Party (US) References 1976 New Jersey Category:1976 New Jersey elections