New Jersey Senate Race Features Andy Kim, Curtis Bashaw

New Jersey voters are electing a new U.S. senator for the first time in over a decade, with Democrat Rep. Andy Kim facing off against Republican Curtis Bashaw to fill the seat vacated by convicted former Sen. Bob Menendez. Kim, who emphasizes restoring integrity in government and has a strong lead in polls, aims to become the state’s first Asian American senator, while Bashaw seeks to challenge the long-standing Democratic dominance in New Jersey. The election is crucial for Democrats, as retaining this seat is key to maintaining their slim Senate majority. In South Carolina, Republican incumbent Bill Garrett is running for reelection against Democrat Francie Kleckley in a heated race marked by legal challenges over residency issues. Kleckley, who values reproductive rights and public safety, has faced Garrett's dismissal of her lawsuit as a distraction. Both races highlight the shifting political landscape as candidates navigate complex local issues and party dynamics.