Ex-Reporter Announces Run to Unseat NJ Sen. Cory Booker

Alex Zdan, a former News 12 reporter, has received the endorsement of the Passaic County GOP for his 2026 Senate bid.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In 2026, incumbent U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., will have to defend his seat. Former News 12 reporter Alex Zdan has officially entered the race as a Republican challenger, having received the endorsement of the Passaic County Republican Organization.

Why it matters

Booker has held the Senate seat since 2013, and the last Republican to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate was in 1979. Zdan's entry into the race sets up a potentially competitive primary and general election battle.

The details

Zdan, a former conservative contributor and founder of a political action committee, has previously run for other political offices in New Jersey. He is not the only Republican vying for the nomination, as former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor Justin Murphy has also announced a Senate run.

  • Booker will be defending his Senate seat in the November 2026 election.
  • The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Cory Booker

The incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey, who has held the seat since 2013.

Alex Zdan

A former News 12 reporter who has announced his Republican primary challenge to Booker for the U.S. Senate seat.

Justin Murphy

A former Tabernacle Deputy Mayor who has also announced a Republican primary run for the U.S. Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“Incredibly grateful to the Passaic County GOP for its unanimous endorsement last night. As we begin this run for U.S. Senate, I'm so glad to again have the support of Chairman Peter Murphy.”

— Alex Zdan (X)

What’s next

The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, where Zdan and Murphy will compete for the nomination to challenge Booker in the November general election.

The takeaway

Booker's Senate seat has been held by Democrats since 1979, but Zdan's entry into the race as a Republican challenger, with the backing of the Passaic County GOP, sets up a potentially competitive primary and general election battle in 2026.