Brick Republican suspends congressional challenge of five-decade incumbent after missing petition deadline

A first-time challenger will not appear on the ballot after failing to secure enough signatures, but says he plans to run again in 2028.

Brick Township, NJ – A Republican candidate from Brick Township has suspended his bid for Congress after failing to gather enough petition signatures to qualify for the ballot, ending his challenge to longtime Rep. Chris Smith in the upcoming primary.

Rob Canfield announced the decision this week, acknowledging his campaign did not meet the required threshold to appear on the 2026 Republican primary ballot in New Jersey’s 4t...