A first-time challenger will not appear on the ballot after failing to secure enough signatures, but says he plans to run again in 2028.
Brick Township, NJ – A Republican candidate from Brick Township has suspended his bid for Congress after failing to gather enough petition signatures to qualify for the ballot, ending his challenge to longtime Rep. Chris Smith in the upcoming primary.
Rob Canfield announced the decision this week, acknowledging his campaign did not meet the required threshold to appear on the 2026 Republican primary ballot in New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District.
“While we built real momentum and sparked an important conversation in this district, we did not meet the signature threshold required to move forward,” Canfield said. “That’s on me, and I take full responsibility.”
Canfield, a small-business owner, real estate broker and firearms instructor, had launched his campaign positioning himself as a challenger to Smith, who has represented the district for decades.
Candidate pivots to 2028 challenge
Despite the setback, Canfield said he plans to continue his political efforts and mount another primary challenge in the next election cycle.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Canfield said. “Today, I’m announcing that I will be back on the ballot in 2028 to challenge Chris Smith and give Republican voters a real choice.”
Key Points
- Brick Republican Rob Canfield suspended his 2026 congressional campaign
- He failed to meet the required petition signature threshold to appear on the ballot
- Canfield says he plans to run again in 2028 against Rep. Chris Smith
Campaign focused on guns, economy and debt
During his short-lived campaign, Canfield highlighted issues including gun rights, student loan debt and the cost of living in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Republicans in this district deserve a representative who is unapologetically pro-2A—not someone with a mixed record when it counts,” Canfield said.
He also called for changes to federal student loan policies.
“Our kids are being crushed by debt before they even get started. We need to end the scam—not bail it out,” he said.
On economic issues, Canfield pointed to rising costs facing residents along the Jersey Shore.
“Families are doing everything right—and still falling behind,” he said. “We need to cap abusive interest rates, crack down on junk fees, and make it possible to actually build a life here at the Jersey Shore again.”
Canfield said his campaign helped build a base of support that he intends to expand ahead of a future run. The error clears the path for the 5-decade serving Congressman to move forward to the general election unopposed. Five Democrats are registered for the primary election to challenge Smith.
