On November 6^th, millions of voters across the country will head to polling stations to cast their votes for their preferred candidates in this year’s midterm election. New Jersey’s 4^th Congressional district, which includes Lakewood, will choose between incumbent Republican Representative Chris Smith, and his Democratic challenger Josh Welle.

Smith was first elected to represent the district in 1980, and is looking to win his 20^th term in the US House of Representatives. Smith is a member of the House’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and is chairman of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee.

Smith is a vocal pro-lifer, has sponsored numerous bills in support of veterans, and has championed numerous human rights measures during his time in Congress. Rep. Smith famously sponsored a bill known as Megan’s Law, named after a girl that lived in his district, to help protect children in the US and around the world from predators. The bill was passed and signed into law in 2016.

Rep. Smith has been praised by many in the Lakewood community and the Fourth District in general as being a Congressman who has made himself available and accessible to listen to and advocate for his constituents in times of need. He is considered to be a strong incumbent.

Josh Welle, the Democratic candidate for the House in the Fourth District, faces an uphill battle in his attempt to unseat Chris Smith, who has served in the House for 38 years. Welle is a 12-year veteran of the US Navy, and has served in numerous locations across the globe, including Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.

Welle supports women’s rights to have an abortion, is an advocate for tougher gun control measures, supports universal healthcare, and has stated that he would like campaign finance laws to be reformed. Welle’s campaign does not accept donations from PAC’s.

Welle has attacked Smith for not regularly holding town hall meetings to allow his constituents to openly voice their concerns to him. Welle pointed to his own town hall meetings, and demanded that Smith hold one as well. Smith responded by saying that he often personally meets with individuals and groups from his district.

Rep. Smith and challenger Josh Welle will square off in a closed debate on Wednesday evening, which will be aired on NJ News 12 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Rep. Smith is a heavy favorite to win reelection the red district. The Cook Political Report, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Real Clear Politics all see Smith winning another term in an easy fashion. He last won reelection with 63% of the vote.