1986Final results
1986 election for New Jersey's 2nd District
U.S. House · New Jersey
William Hughes (D) won with 68.3% of the vote, defeating Alfred J. Bennington Jr. (R) by 39.6 points.
William HughesDemocrat · winner
68.3%83,821
Alfred J. Bennington Jr.Republican
28.6%35,167
Len SmithOther party
3.1%3,812
122,800 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1986
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
William HughesAlfred J. Bennington Jr.
$247.5K
Raised by the campaign
$142.8K
$241.9K
Spent by the campaign
$142.4K
$89.3K
Cash on hand
$361
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986