The late Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey's 9th Congressional District was replaced by State Senator Nellie Pou, nominated by Democratic leaders to run in the November election. Pascrell, who died at the age of 87 after a long hospitalization, was honored at a funeral service attended by leading political figures, including Governor Phil Murphy and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Nellie Pou was chosen at a special party convention after receiving crucial endorsements from Governor Murphy and the leaders of the Democratic committees of the three counties that make up Pascrell's district. Initially, other politicians such as Benjie Wimberly, Shavonda Sumter and Andre Sayegh were in the race, but all withdrew their candidacies after Pou's position strengthened.

The 9th District is mostly Democratic, which makes Pou the favorite to beat Republican candidate Billy Prempeh in the election. If she wins, Nellie Pou will be the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress from New Jersey, representing a historic milestone, according to the NBC News.

Pascrell was remembered as an exemplary leader and defender of the working classes. President Joe Biden expressed his grief over the loss of the congressman and highlighted their three-decade friendship, praising Pascrell's commitment to causes such as the safety of first responders, veteran welfare and tax justice.

This is the second death of a New Jersey Democratic lawmaker this year, following the death of Donald Payne Jr. in April.