Overview

Terri Reese is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District. The district spans all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties plus portions of Gloucester and Ocean counties. Its most populous municipalities include Vineland, Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Stafford Township, and Lacey Township. Reese is competing in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary for the seat currently held by Republican Jeff Van Drew.

Reese was born in Atlantic City and has lived her entire life within the district. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. Her professional background spans product management, retail leadership, quality assurance testing, and data analysis for tech startups. Reese is a certified private yoga instructor. She has been affiliated with Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and local and national Democratic committees.

Reese frames her campaign around her experience as a single mother and working-class professional. She left a career in retail management to provide full-time care for her mother, an experience she cites as formative to her views on healthcare access and economic stability. She has signed the Campaign Integrity Pledge for the 2026 election cycle and supports congressional term limits.

Political Career

Candidate, U.S. House, New Jersey District 2 (2026)

Key Policy Areas

Universal healthcare and Medicare expansion

Affordable housing and cost-of-living reduction

Environmental protection and renewable energy investment

Corporate reform and fair taxation

Campaign finance reform and money-in-politics regulation

Social Security and Medicaid protection

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Signed the Campaign Integrity Pledge for the 2026 election cycle.

Active with Planned Parenthood and the ACLU at the local and national levels.

Education

B.A., University of Pennsylvania (1989)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Northfield, New Jersey