Today, Brian Varela, a first-generation American, entrepreneur, and dedicated Democratic organizer, officially announced his candidacy for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District. Varela enters the race promising to bring a fresh, working-class perspective to Washington, offering a stark contrast to the incumbent Republican, Tom Kean Jr.
“I’m not running for a title—I’m running to fight back,” Varela said during his announcement. “I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that New Jersey families face. I’ve made impossible decisions, raised my younger brother after my mom passed, and built a successful business from the ground up during one of the most difficult economic periods in modern history. I know what it’s like to struggle, sacrifice, and ultimately succeed—and that’s the fight I will bring to Congress.”
Born to Colombian immigrants and raised in New Jersey, Varela’s story is one of perseverance and self-made success. He worked full-time while putting himself through college, and eventually founded a small business that now employs over 120 people. His company has earned national recognition from both Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine. But it is his years of grassroots organizing that have made Varela a prominent voice in New Jersey’s 7th District.
“I understand what it takes to build a winning campaign,” Varela explained. “We are assembling a team of highly skilled professionals and passionate local organizers. We’re ready to raise the resources necessary to be a strong contender in this race.” Over the years, Varela has become a trusted organizer in Morris, Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset, and Sussex counties, where he has helped establish Democratic infrastructure, mobilize Latino voters, and champion democratic reforms like ranked-choice voting.
“We need fresh voices in Washington—leaders who aren’t born into political dynasties, who don’t come from privilege, and who actually understand what families are going through,” Varela emphasized. “I’m fighting for everyone from cooks to food servers, truck drivers to Uber drivers, single parents to two-income households struggling to make ends meet. These are the people I’ve known my whole life, and I will never let them down.”
Varela’s campaign will center on issues that matter to everyday families, such as lowering living costs, expanding access to student loans, creating more apprenticeships, and advocating for good-paying jobs. He has vowed to challenge both political parties when they prioritize the interests of the wealthy over working-class people.
New Jersey’s 7th District is one of the most fiercely contested House seats in the nation and plays a crucial role in the Democratic Party’s efforts to reclaim the House majority in 2026. In 2022, Republican Tom Kean Jr. narrowly won the seat, after having lost it to Democrat Tom Malinowski in 2020.
“Our campaign is grounded in the power of the people, not the power of the elite,” Varela stated. “We’re not waiting for permission—we’re organizing, mobilizing, and fighting for a future where every family has a fair chance to succeed.”
For more information on Brian Varela’s candidacy and vision for New Jersey’s 7th District, visit www.varelaforcongress.com.
