Your final voter’s guide to NJ Senate, House races and more in Trump’s big 2018 election test

So what role will New Jersey play in Tuesday’s bitterly fought and closely watched midterm elections?

Well, there’s a contentious, closer-than-expected U.S. Senate race — between Democratic incumbent Robert Menendez and Republican challenger Bob Hugin — that has national implications as voters head to the polls on an Election Day serving as a referendum on the first two years of Republican Donald Trump‘s presidency.

Then, there’s the handful of tight U.S. House races that could help decide whether Democrats across the nation ride a “blue wave” to take over Congress’ lower chamber or if the Trump-led GOP keeps control.

There’s also a slate of legislative and local races — and a ballot question asking Garden State voters to approve borrowing a half-billion of dollars for education. 

Here’s a look at the key races and all the other things you need to know before heading into the voting booth:

One of New Jersey’s two seats in the U.S. Senate is up for grabs. Menendez, the Democrat who has held the post since 2006, is seeking a third full term. Hugin, the Republican nominee, is a retired pharmaceutical executive who has never run for office before. There are also six third-party or independent candidates.

Every voter in state will have the Senate race on the ballot.  The winner earns a six-year term.

Age: 64

Hometown: Raised in Union City, lives in Summit.

Occupation: He retired as the CEO of Summit-based Celgene Corp., a pharmaceutical company, in 2017. He previously worked for JPMorgan Chase & Co.. This is his first time running for elected office.

Education/military experience: 

Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University in 1976. Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia in 1985. After his time at Princeton, Hugin served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an active duty infantry officer from 1976 to 1983. 

Family: Wife Kathy and three children — two sons and one daughter.

Religion: United Methodist Church.