New Jersey’s 8th district contains parts of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union County. The district is located in northeastern New Jersey. The county has voted Democratic in congressional elections since 1996 and in recent presidential elections. In the past three congressional elections, the Democratic incumbent has won at least 80% of the two-party vote. The district is 100% urban. Its population is 56.4% Caucasian, 9.8% African American, 7.8% Asian, 54.4% Hispanic, 0.3% Native American, and 3.9% other.

The incumbent is Democrat Albio Sires, who has served since 2013. Before becoming a congressman, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly. He was a high school teacher and coach and is the owner of an insurance company. His key issues are affordable housing, public transportation projects, and fair immigration. His opponent is Republican John R. Muniz. He is currently the President of the New Jersey School of Theology, dean of two colleges, and the Captain of the 88th Brigade, New York Guard. His goals include increasing school security, lower taxes, and religious rights.