House incumbents have a huge fundraising advantage going into Tuesday's primary.
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett faces a strong Democratic challenger in former White House speechwriter Josh Gottheimer in November, but first he must vanquish two Republican primary challengers in Tuesday's primary election.
Garrett (R-5th Dist.) is being opposed by Michael Cino of Demarest, who ran against him 2012, and Peter Vallorosi of Newton. Through May 18, he has raised $1.2 million and banked $2.6 million, while neither challenger has reported taking in any campaign contributions.
The only New Jersey incumbent considered vulnerable so far, Garrett has been outraised by Gottheimer in what is shaping up to be one of the most expensive House races in the U.S. Gottheimer has brought in $2.3 million so far. and had $2 million cash on hand.
This is one of seven contested primary congressional races taking place in New Jersey today.
Some candidates have $0 to spend
Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.) raised $751,476 for his re-election. One challenger, David Larsen of Oldwick, took in $264,767, including $227,107 in personal loans. Larsen also ran against Lance in 2014.
Lance's second GOP primary challenger, Craig Heard of Succasunna, raised $38,620, $8,000 of it a personal loan.
In the 4th District, Bruce MacDonald of Yardville did not report raising any funds for his primary challenge against incumbent Republican Rep. Chris Smith, who brought in $338,541.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) brought in $1.3 million while challenger, Rick van Glahn of Denville, who lost a primary two years ago, reported raising $42,605, including personal loans totaling $13,000.
On the Democratic side, both freshmen, Reps. Donald Norcross (D-1st Dist.) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th Dist.) drew opposition.
Norcross's opponent, 25-year-old challenger Alex Law, raised $68,841, including a $6,600 loan, compared to the incumbent's $1.6 million.
Watson Coleman brought in $709,019 while her challenger, college professor Alexander Kucsma of Somerset, did not report raising any money.
The third Democrat facing a primary, Rep. Albio Sires (D-8th Dist.), raised $368,619. His intraparty challenger, public school teacher Eloy Delgado of Elizabeth, brought in $14,645, including a $6,260 personal loan.
Big battle brewing in 5th District
Democrats are fighting among themselves in two districts for the right to take on a Republican incumbent.
In the 3rd District, now held by freshman Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur, former Asbury Park Councilman Jim Keady brought in $45,181, including a $14,000 loan. Keady was told by Gov. Chris Christie in 2014 "sit down and shut up" after complaining about the pace of recovery from Hurricane Sandy.
The other Democrat in the race, Frederick John LaVergne of Delanco took in $600 through March 31 and did not report raising any money since then.
Three Democrats are running for the 11th District nomination. Richard McFarlane of Haskell reported raising $741, with $200 of that from his own pocket. Lee Anne Brogowski of Mount Tabor and Joseph Wenzel of West Orange both did not reporti raising any money.
Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.