Ryan
Michael Kelly
Independent candidate Ryan Michael Kelly challenges Democratic incumbent in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District in 2026.
- sources
- 6
- positions
- 10
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Ryan Michael Kelly is an independent candidate running for New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District in the November 2026 general election, challenging Democratic incumbent Herb Conaway. 15 Kelly is based in Hightstown, New Jersey, and describes himself as an educator and former federal civil servant who spent nearly 13 years at the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. 15 He also taught at New Jersey colleges, including Mercer County Community College, and previously served on the Lake Como Borough Council. 25 Kelly holds a B.A. in sociology from Colorado State University and an M.A. in criminal justice from Monmouth University, and has pursued doctoral study in higher education at Gwynedd Mercy University. 2 He is listed on the official New Jersey ballot under the slogan "Affordability, Accountability, People." 8
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 3, New Jersey
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Educator
- Website
- kellyfornj03.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 6filingKelly confirmed on New Jersey general election ballot under 'Affordability, Accountability, People' line
A candidate list checked against the New Jersey Division of Elections as of October 6 confirmed Ryan Michael Kelly (Affordability, Accountability, People) among the four NJ-03 general election candidates. No separate filing or certification date was provided.
New Jersey Candidates 2026: Who Is on the Ballot - Vote Clock · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5debateLWV virtual forum for NJ-03 candidates held; Kelly's attendance unconfirmed
The League of Women Voters virtual forum for NJ-03 candidates was scheduled for this date at 7 p.m. Sources confirm the event was scheduled but do not establish whether Kelly attended or what was said.
The LWV Organizes Virtual Forum For NJ Congressional ... · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsWHYY voter guide notes Kelly has no endorsements and details his policy positions
WHYY's NJ-03 voter guide reported Kelly had 'no endorsements to note at this time.' Kelly emphasized affordability, health care, and government accountability. On foreign policy, he opposed the U.S. war with Iran and criticized providing a 'blank check' for Israeli military actions that violate international or humanitarian law.
NJ election 2026: 3rd Congressional District voter guide - WHYY · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 27debateLWV announces virtual candidates' forum for NJ-03 on October 5, 2026
League of Women Voters groups in Monmouth and Burlington counties, Lawrence Township, and Greater Princeton Area announced a virtual forum for all NJ-03 candidates on October 5 at 7 p.m. All candidates were invited, though attendance was not guaranteed.
The LWV Organizes Virtual Forum For NJ Congressional ... · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jan 1filingRyan Michael Kelly files FEC statement of candidacy for NJ-03 House race
Kelly's FEC committee, Ryan Michael Kelly for Congress (C00936864), filed a statement of candidacy in January 2026. As of September 2026, the committee had reported no receipts or disbursements for the 2025–26 cycle.
Ryan Kelly (AAP) – NJ-03 House 2026 | Smarter.Vote · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $0
- Spent
- $0
- Cash on hand
- $0
Reporting date not available. ↳ FEC record H6NJ03192(opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] New Jersey Candidates 2026: Who Is on the Ballot - Vote Clock(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [2] NJ election 2026: 3rd Congressional District voter guide - WHYY(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [3] Ryan Kelly (AAP) – NJ-03 House 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [4] The LWV Organizes Virtual Forum For NJ Congressional ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [5] Ryan Michael Kelly(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
- [6] Issues — Ryan Michael Kelly (NJ-03)(opens in a new tab) May 18, 2026