President Donald Trump issued a full endorsement of Rep. Chris Smith on Monday, throwing his weight behind the longtime New Jersey Republican as voters in the 4th Congressional District head to the polls Tuesday for the state’s primary election.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Smith “a fantastic Representative” and praised his work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where Smith serves as a senior member. The president credited Smith with advancing the administration’s agenda on the economy, domestic manufacturing, energy production, border security, the military, gun rights and foreign policy.
“Chris Smith has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election,” Trump wrote. “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR CHRIS — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Smith, 73, has represented the district since January 1981, making him one of the longest-serving members of the U.S. House. First elected at age 27, he has built his record around foreign policy, human rights advocacy, veterans services, autism research and anti-trafficking legislation.
A Rahway native and graduate of what is now The College of New Jersey, Smith previously worked in his family’s sporting goods business and served as executive director of New Jersey Right to Life before his first run for Congress.
The 4th District spans 19 towns in Monmouth County and 21 in Ocean County, including Lakewood, Jackson, Toms River, and coastal communities such as Belmar and Point Pleasant Beach. The district voted for Trump by roughly 30 points in 2024.
Smith is unopposed in the Republican primary. Five Democrats — John Blake, Robert English, Julie Flynn, Peter Linardakis and Rachel Peace — are competing for their party’s nomination. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Polls in New Jersey close at 8 p.m.
